Experiences of Digital Device Use and Screen Time Among Adolescents Undergoing Cancer Treatment: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the digital device usage, related experiences, and expectations for more balanced use among hospitalized adolescents with cancer. This qualitative study was conducted between March and May 2025 with adolescents aged 12–17 hospitalized in a pediatric hematology-oncology ward. The data were collected using a demographic information form and a semi-structured interview form. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with 10 adolescent cancer patients and analyzed using content analysis. Three main themes emerged: (1) Reasons for digital device use, (2) Negative effects of prolonged screen time, and (3) Suggestions and expectations for balanced use. Each theme included two sub-themes derived from participant experiences. Hospitalized adolescents with cancer use digital devices to pass the time and manage emotional distress. Digital device use among adolescents in hospital settings can be reduced by providing more engaging activity options and implementing structured support programs.

Keywords

• Adolescent
• Cancer
• Digital Device Use
• Nursing
• Screen Time

Kanser Tedavisi Alan Ergenlerin Dijital Araç Kullanımı ve Ekran Süresine İlişkin Deneyimleri: Nitel Bir Çalışma*

Abstract

Bu çalışmada, hastanede yatan kanser hastası ergenlerin dijital cihaz kullanım durumlarını, bu konudaki deneyimlerini ve daha dengeli bir kullanım için beklentilerini belirlemek amaçlanmaktadır. Bu nitel çalışmanın verileri Mart-Mayıs 2025 tarihleri arasında elde edilmiştir. Araştırmanın örneklemini çocuk hematoloji ve onkoloji servisinde yatan 12-17 yaş arasındaki ergenler oluşturmuştur. Veriler birey tanıtım formu ve yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Kanser hastası 10 ergenle yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler bireysel olarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Nitel veriler içerik analizi yöntemi kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Bu çalışmada üç ana tema ortaya çıkmıştır: (1) Dijital cihaz kullanım nedenleri, (2) Uzun süreli ekran kullanımının olumsuz etkileri ve (3) Dengeli kullanım için çözüm önerileri ve beklentilerdir. Katılımcı deneyimlerine dayalı olarak her temaya ilişkin ikişer alt tema belirlenmiştir. Hastanede yatan kanser tanılı ergenler, dijital cihazları keyifli zaman geçirmek ve duygusal rahatlama sağlamak amacıyla kullanmaktadır. Hastane ortamında ergenler için daha ilgi çekici aktivite seçenekleri ve yapılandırılmış destek programları oluşturulması ile dijital araç kullanımı azaltılabilir.

Keywords

• Dijital Araç Kullanımı
• Ekran Süresi
• Ergen
• Hemşirelik
• Kanser

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma, Akdeniz Üniversitesi Tıbbi Bilimsel Araştırmalar Etik Kurulu’nun 30.01.2025 tarihli ve TBAEK-147 sayılı kararı ile etik açıdan uygun bulunmuştur.

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