The Development and Acceptability of a Wilderness Programme to Support the Health and Well-Being of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: The WAYA Programme

Miek C. Jong (), Trine Stub, Eric Mulder and Mats Jong
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Miek C. Jong: National Research Centre in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Arctic University of Norway, UiT, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
Trine Stub: National Research Centre in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NAFKAM), Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Arctic University of Norway, UiT, Hansine Hansens veg 18, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
Eric Mulder: Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
Mats Jong: Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-21

Abstract: Detailed descriptions of theory, structure, and activities with causal links to specified outcomes of wilderness programs are lacking. Addressing this gap, the present qualitative study gives a thorough description of the development of the Wilderness programme for Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors (WAYA). WAYA is adapted to the individual needs of AYA cancer survivors. It was conceived around Næss’s ecosophy and the Positive Health Model, and refined based on findings from a scoping review and patient/public involvement. Programme aims were to increase physical activity, self-confidence, personal growth, joy, safety within nature, meaningful relationships, and self-efficacy. The programme was an eight-day expedition followed three months later by a four-day base-camp. Activities included hiking, backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, mindfulness and bushcrafting. Evaluation of the programme through focus group and individual interviews with 15 facilitators and 17 participants demonstrated that a diverse group of participants, challenging activities, and mindfulness-based practices were found to positively influence group bonding and the learning process. Furthermore, including an expedition and base-camp component was found to be beneficial in supporting the development of participants’ own personal outdoor practices. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the WAYA programme is safe and well accepted by AYA cancer survivors.

Keywords: ecosophy; expedition; health promotion; mindfulness; nature; self-realization; qualitative study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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