'Through my eyes': health-promoting factors described by photographs taken by children with experience of cancer treatment

• Published in: Child : care, health & development Vol. 42; no. 1; pp. 76 - 86
• Main Authors: Einberg, E.-L., Nygren, J. M., Svedberg, P., Enskär, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-01-2016
• Subjects: Cancer; Cancer therapies; Child; Child Behavior; Children & youth; children's perspective; Content analysis; Family - psychology; Female; focus group; Focus Groups; Friends - psychology; Health promotion; Health Promotion - methods; Health Sciences; Humans; Hälsovetenskaper; Intervention; Leisure; Leisure Activities - psychology; Love; Male; Medical and Health Sciences; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Neoplasms - psychology; Nursing; Omvårdnad; Peer Group; Pets; Photography; Play and Playthings - psychology; Promotion; Qualitative Research; Recreational Activities; Relaxation; Self Concept; Sick children; Significant others; cancer; health promotion; children's perspective; photography; focus group
• ISSN: 0305-1862; 1365-2214; 1365-2214
• DOI: 10.1111/cch.12285

Background
Health promotion for children with cancer should be based on the children's own needs and desires. Because there is a lack of knowledge in this area, the aim of this study was to explore what promotes health from the perspective of children with experience of cancer treatment.
Methods
Fifteen children between 8 and 12 years of age participated in focus groups with three children in each group. The children were given a camera and instructions to photograph subjects that promote their health. Focus group discussions were based on the photographs and the children's own description of those photographs. The analysis of focus group discussions and photographs was conducted using inductive content analysis.
Results
According to the children, health‐promoting factors are defined as meaningful relationships, recreational activities and a trustful environment. Meaningful relationships include togetherness within the family, affection for pets and friendship with peers. Recreational activities include engagement in play and leisure, withdrawal for relaxation and feeling enjoyment. Trustful environment includes confidence in significant others and feeling safe.
Conclusions
Knowledge from this study can contribute to health promotion interventions and quality improvements in the health care of children with experience of cancer treatment. Children's experiences with what promotes health in their everyday lives provide a better understanding of the type of support children prefer when promoting their own health.