PATIENTS’ VIEW OF CHILD-YOUTH CANCER AND THEIR PERCEPTION ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS TOWARD ACTIVE VIDEOGAME

Abstract

This study aimed at knowing and analyzing knowledge of children and adolescents admitted in hospitals about cancer/treatment and their feelings and emotions linked to the practice of active videogame in the hospital environment. It is a qualitative research-type study involving fourteen patients aged 7-17, admitted to an onco-hematology pediatric hospital center. The study applied semi-structured interviews, participant observation and field diary to obtain data. Interventions used the X-Box 360 with Kinect sports and dance games. Data were subjected to content analysis. The subjects demonstrated they knew about cancer disease and treatment. Patients pointed out active video game as a possible strategy to counter sadness and boredom because the games provided social interaction and positive feelings and emotions in the hospital environment.

Keywords
Hospitalization; Neoplasms; Video games; Emotions