PhD
Pia Krause Møller
Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital
| Projekt styring | ||
| Projekt status | Open | |
| Data indsamlingsdatoer | ||
| Start | 01.02.2025 | |
| Slut | 31.12.2025 | |
Healthcare utilization among Danish young adults aged 18-39 with cancer
Short summary
This study aims to explore healthcare utilization among Danish young adults (aged 18-39) diagnosed with cancer between 2015-2018. Despite the physical, psychological, social, and existential challenges they face, many reports unmet needs for professional support during and after treatment. The study will assess the use of healthcare services, such as rehabilitation plans, physiotherapy, and mental health support, and examine social factors affecting access to care.
Rationale
Each year, approximately 1,500 young adults aged 18-39 are diagnosed with cancer in Denmark. Research indicates that these individuals experience a range of physical, psychological, social, and existential challenges as a result of both the illness and its treatment, significantly impacting their quality of life. Healthcare professional support during and after cancer treatment has been shown to alleviate side effects, reduce long-term consequences, and improve overall quality of life. Despite these benefits, many young adults report having unmet needs. This study aims to examine the extent to which young adults seek professional support through healthcare services following a cancer diagnosis and whether social factors affect the level of professional support they receive. The aim is two-fold: 1) To examine the utilization of healthcare services, including rehabilitation plans, physiotherapy, general practitioners, and psychiatrists, among young adults aged 18-39 following a cancer diagnosis. 2) To explore differences in healthcare utilization based on diagnosis and social factors, including economic status, employment, education, geographic location, gender, living situation (alone or with others), and parental status (having children).
Description of the cohort
Young adults aged 18-39 diagnosed with cancer between 2015 and 2018, identified through the Danish Cancer Registry.
Data and biological material
Data from the national registries regarding cancer diagnosis, rehabilitation plan, income, employment, education, geography, gender and age, living alone, number of children living at home.
Collaborating researchers and departments
User Perspectives and Community-based Interventions, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Maria Aagesen, PhD,