Experiences and coping strategies of time toxicity in young and middle-aged patients with lymphoma: a descriptive qualitative study

BACKGROUND: With advancements in lymphoma treatment leading to improved survival rates, the time burden associated with cancer care has emerged as a significant concern. Time toxicity can disrupt daily life and impact treatment decisions; however, lymphoma-specific evidence regarding patients' subjective experiences remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of time toxicity and the coping strategies employed by young and middle-aged lymphoma patients in China. METHODS: This descriptive qualitative study took place from June to December 2025 in the haematology department of a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, China. We employed purposive sampling with maximum variation to recruit patients aged 18-50 years who were undergoing lymphoma treatment. The study was informed by Time-Geography Theory. Data collection involved face-to-face semi-structured interviews, and the data were analysed using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: The study involved fifteen participants, revealing five interconnected themes: (1) the multidimensional time burden driven by treatment; (2) the disruption of social roles and restructuring of daily life rhythms; (3) healthcare mobility constrained by time and space; (4) emotional distress associated with time toxicity; and (5) multilevel coping strategies for managing time toxicity. Time toxicity manifested not only as the cumulative time spent on healthcare activities but also as disruptions to daily routines, role functioning, healthcare mobility, and psychological well-being. Participants reported substantial time burdens due to frequent hospital visits, prolonged waiting times, and complex care pathways, particularly for those requiring cross-city care. Despite these challenges, patients employed various coping strategies, including active time management, Health-oriented self-management, cognitive adjustment, and family support. CONCLUSIONS: Time toxicity in young and middle-aged lymphoma patients is a multidimensional and contextually embedded experience shaped by the interaction between healthcare demands and everyday life. These findings highlight the importance of considering patients' temporal and spatial circumstances when coordinating lymphoma care and developing supportive interventions.