Social Support and Barriers to Medication Adherence Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer

BACKGROUND: As adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer gain independence in managing their care, social support may influence their health behaviors, including medication adherence. This study examined social support among AYAs with cancer and its relationship to barriers to medication adherence. PROCEDURE: This secondary analysis included measures of demographics, social support, and barriers to medication adherence completed by AYAs with cancer. Longitudinal path analysis was used to examine (1) predictors of social support at baseline and follow-up and (2) the relationship between changes in social support and barriers to adherence at follow-up. RESULTS: Sixty-five AYAs (ages 15-24 years; M age = 18.97 years) with cancer were included. Female AYAs reported baseline social support scores that were 10.09 points higher than male AYAs (Est. = 10.09, p = 0.002). AYAs living with both parents reported higher baseline social support (Est. = 8.36, p = 0.01) but lower social support (Est. = -6.54, p = 0.04) at follow-up compared to AYAs with other living arrangements. At follow-up, younger age was associated with higher social support (Est. = -9.22, p = 0.002). Increases in social support were associated with decreases in barriers to adherence from baseline to follow-up after controlling for baseline social support, barriers to adherence, and demographic variables (Est. = -0.04, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Among AYAs with cancer, increases in social support over time were associated with fewer barriers to adherence, highlighting a potential area of opportunity for intervention.