Online information related to childhood cancer and COVID-19 pandemic: a thematic analysis

Rev Bras Enferm. 2021 Apr 14;74Suppl 1(Suppl 1):e20201056. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-1056. eCollection 2021.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: To analyze online information available on the internet about COVID-19 and childhood cancer and discuss its reach potential with regard to supporting family functioning.

Method: Documentary research supported by thematic analysis and the concept of family functioning and support. A total of 27 publications available on the websites of reference institutions in pediatric oncology, from March 1 to May 31, 2020, were analyzed.

Results: Two themes guided the presentation of results with emphasis on language and sustainability assumptions to content, and to conveyed meanings and intentionality. The publications prospect families/people with basic knowledge about COVID-19 and have little information specific to the relationship with childhood cancer.

Final considerations: Threatening circumstances require informational support. This study revealed incipient of specificity and a prescriptive tone in the online information available in early times of the pandemic, questioning the scope of support for family functioning.

MeSH terms

  • Access to Information
  • COVID-19*
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • Language
  • Neoplasms*
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2