“They go hand in hand”: a patient-oriented, qualitative descriptive study on the interconnectedness between chronic health and mental health conditions in transition-age youth

Our findings highlighted the myriad ways in which physical and mental health are connected as TAY prepare for service transitions using specific examples and powerful metaphors. TAY endorsed the importance of providers discussing these connections in routine clinical care. Future research should involve co-designing and evaluating educational material addressing this topic with diverse TAY, caregivers, and service providers.