Table 1 Characteristics of the cancer-bereaved siblings (n = 36)

Age at inclusion (years) ^a

22.6 (2.3)

Age at loss (years) ^a

15.9 (2.5)

Time since loss (years) ^a

6.9 (2.4)

Illness duration (years) ^a

3.8 (4.5)

Death in close family in the last year (Yes)

10 (27.8%)

Sex

  Female

25 (69.4%)

  Male

11 (30.6%)

Deceased sibling’s gender

  Female

20 (55.6%)

  Male

16 (44.4%)

Place of live

  Rural area

5 (13.9%)

  Small town

8 (22.2%)

  Big city

23 (63.9%)

Living with

  Living independently

22 (61.1%)

  Living with partner

5 (13.9%)

  Living with parents

9 (25%)

Education

  Primary and lower secondary school

6 (16.7%)

  High school

19 (52.8%)

  Technical college

3 (8.3%)

  College/university (3 years)

8 (22.2%)

Work situation

  Employed

11 (30.6%)

  Studies

23 (63.9%)

  Unemployed

2 (5.5%)