Factors associated with positive mental health in Japanese young adults with a history of chronic diseases during childhood: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Factors associated with positive mental health in children with chronic diseases remain unclear. Supporting the development of positive mental health in children with chronic diseases can enhance their mental health throughout childhood and adulthood. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with positive mental health among Japanese young adults with a history of chronic pediatric diseases. DESIGN AND METHODS: Participants aged 18-25 years, with a history of chronic pediatric diseases, were recruited from a population of students at a university. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. After the initial coding of each transcript, the researchers discussed and identified a set of main themes, categories, and subcategories. RESULTS: Ten participants aged 19-22 years were interviewed. Their chronic diseases were diverse and included childhood cancers and allergic diseases. Seven themes (proactive coping, positive coping, negative coping, eudaimonia, hedonia, independence, and awareness) emerged from 21 categories and 70 subcategories identified. A thematic map was applied to two domains (protective factors and well-being factors) and to three inter-related constructs (individual, family, and community/society). CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that within the well-being factors, meaning in life was prominent, and within the protective factors, stress coping was found to facilitate positive mental health among individuals with a history of chronic pediatric diseases. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS In children with chronic diseases, support for finding appropriate coping strategies that enhance their optimism and symbiotic relationships in the community/society are important, including valuing little things in their lives, such as play and learning.