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

Informaciones en línea relacionadas con el cáncer infantil y la pandemia de la COVID-19: un análisis temático

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.

Descriptors:
Access to Information; COVID-19; Cancer; Family; Pandemics