ABSTRACT

Young adult (YA) cancer survivors often experience social isolation. Mobile apps facilitate peer-to-peer connections, yet little is known about their use. YA survivors (N = 181) were surveyed about a peer-to-peer cancer support app. Among those with it downloaded, 36% reported daily/weekly use. One-to-one messaging and group chat features were easy-to-use and useful, but facilitation of social presence was variable. Within group chats, 55% participated in discussions; 45% observed conversations without contributing. The app was helpful for convenient access to peer support (84%), particularly when offline social networks were inadequate (83%); some (16–25%) reported nervousness initiating connections. Qualitative feedback identified facilitators and barriers to adoption and sustained engagement. Recommendations centered on improving design and logistical factors and facilitating in-app connections. App-based peer support is promising for addressing social isolation among YA survivors. Future research should examine theory-based communication and design features to encourage meaningful engagement and longitudinal effects on psychosocial outcomes.

摘要

年轻的成年 (YA) 癌症幸存者经常经历社会孤立。移动应用程序促进了点对点连接，但对其使用知之甚少。YA 幸存者 ( N= 181) 接受了有关点对点癌症支持应用程序的调查。在下载了它的用户中，36% 报告每天/每周使用。一对一消息传递和群聊功能易于使用且有用，但社交存在的便利性是可变的。在群聊中，55% 的人参与了讨论；45% 的人在没有贡献的情况下观察到对话。该应用程序有助于方便地获得同伴支持 (84%)，尤其是在离线社交网络不足的情况下 (83%)；一些 (16–25%) 报告说紧张引发了联系。定性反馈确定了采用和持续参与的促进因素和障碍。建议集中在改进设计和后勤因素以及促进应用程序内连接上。基于应用程序的同伴支持有望解决 YA 幸存者的社会孤立问题。