Adolescents’ Need for Support When Living With a Parent Having Heart Disease: A Nordic Qualitative Study

Qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews. Adolescents between 13 and 19 years old were interviewed. They had either a mother or a father with heart disease diagnosed between 6 months and up to 5 years prior to the interview. Analyses were inspired by Reflexive Methodology. Four main themes were found across 33 interviews: (a) the family as fundamental support; (b) peers as a free space; (c) health care professionals as reliable sources and (d) school teachers as validators. Family members provided a trustful atmosphere when open and transparent communication was used. Peers fostered greater openness, honesty, and relatability. Health care professionals and schoolteachers validated and objectified information, which seemed important to handle the situation. A collaborative effort involving family, friends, health care professionals, and schoolteachers is essential for effectively supporting adolescents with parental heart disease.