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Wang L, Duan H, Zuo H, Wang Z, Jiao S, Liu Y, Li H, Chen J. Cognitive-behavioral stress management relieves anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in parents of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients: a randomized, controlled study. Hematology 2024; 29:2293498. [PMID: 38095309 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2293498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) is an effective psychological intervention to relieve psychological and symptomatic distress. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CBSM in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. METHODS Totally, 56 pediatric AML patients and 100 parents were randomized into the CBSM group (28 patients and 49 parents) and the normal control (NC) group (28 patients and 51 parents) to receive corresponding interventions for 10 weeks. The questionnaire scores were assessed at month M0, M1, M3, and M6. RESULTS In parents of pediatric AML patients, self-rating anxiety scale score at M1 (p = 0.034), M3 (p = 0.010), and M6 (p = 0.003), as well as anxiety at M3 (p = 0.036) and M6 (p = 0.012) were decreased in the CBSM group versus the NC group. Self-rating depression scale score at M3 (p = 0.022) and M6 (p = 0.002), as well as depression at M6 (p = 0.019) were declined in the CBSM group versus the NC group. Symptom checklist-90 (a psychotic status questionnaire) score at M3 (p = 0.031) and M6 (p = 0.019) were declined in the CBSM group versus the NC group. Regarding PTSD, the impact of the events scale-revised score at M3 (p = 0.044) and M6 (p = 0.010) were decreased in the CBSM group versus the NC group. By subgroup analyses CBSM (versus NC) improved all outcomes in parents with anxiety at M0 and depression at M0 (all p < 0.050), but could not affect the outcomes in parents without anxiety or depression at M0 (all p > 0.050). CONCLUSION CBSM reduces anxiety, depression, and PTSD in parents of pediatric AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Handan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Duan
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Handan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Engineering University, Handan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuili Jiao
- Department of Pediatrics Ward 2, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Department of Neonatology Ward 1, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, People's Republic of China
| | - Huihui Li
- Department of Neonatology Ward 1, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Nephrology 2, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, People's Republic of China
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Mogensen N, Kreicbergs U, Albertsen BK, Lähteenmäki PM, Heyman M, Harila A. Quality of life in children and adolescents after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia according to the NOPHO ALL2008 protocol. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31018. [PMID: 38644601 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The improved outcome of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) over the last decades has increased the importance of assessing late effects and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), particularly when evaluating and comparing outcomes in clinical trials. This study aimed to assess HRQoL in children treated for ALL according to the NOPHO ALL2008 protocol. PROCEDURE Children, aged 1 to less than 18 years at diagnosis, alive in first remission, and their parents, were asked to complete PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales (self- and proxy-report) at ≥6 months after end of therapy. Data on socioeconomic factors and parent-reported toxicity were collected through a study-specific questionnaire, and the NOPHO ALL2008 database was used to identify eligible families and add additional disease- and treatment-related data. HRQoL data were collected during 2013-2019 in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. RESULTS A total of 299 children were included. The older children (8 years and older) reported similar HRQoL scores compared to Finnish reference data, except lower scores for School Functioning in high-risk patients. Scores from the parent-proxy and self-reports from 5-7-year olds were notably lower than reference. Parent-reported toxicity was associated with lower total and physical HRQoL scores in adjusted models for younger as well as older children in the self-report and parent-proxy versions, and also with lower psychosocial score in the parent-proxy. CONCLUSIONS Self-reported HRQoL was similar to reference population. The most important determinant for HRQoL after end of ALL treatment was parent-reported toxicity during treatment. Thus, minimizing complications is an obvious focus for future treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Mogensen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Kreicbergs
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England
| | - Birgitte Klug Albertsen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Päivi M Lähteenmäki
- Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, and FICAN-West, Turku, Finland
- Swedish Childhood Cancer Registry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Heyman
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arja Harila
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University and Pediatric Oncology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Peng L, Xiong SS, Li J, Wang M, Wong FKY. Promoting psychological support services for parents of children with sarcoma through health-social partnership: A quality improvement project. J Pediatr Nurs 2024:S0882-5963(24)00207-0. [PMID: 38796359 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE A significant portion of parents of children diagnosed with sarcoma experience excessive stress and anxiety disorder. This quality improvement project aimed to implement a psychological support service program tailored for parents of children with sarcoma and evaluate its effects. DESIGN AND METHODS An interprofessional team was formed through a health-social partnership to deliver comprehensive psychological support service program involving multiple cognitive-behavioral components to parents of children with sarcoma. Parents who were identified as having excessive stress and/or anxiety disorder and voluntarily agreed to participate were enrolled. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted, and previously recorded data from parents of children hospitalized in the year prior to this quality improvement project were included as historical controls. RESULTS A total of 48 parents, including 35 mothers and 13 fathers, participated in the quality improvement project. Results showed that participants achieved greater reduction in emotional, somatic, and behavioral stress when compared with historical controls (all p < .001). Significantly lower prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety disorder was also found (4.2% vs. 85.4%, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS The implementation of a psychological support service program, informed by cognitive-behavioral theory and delivered through a health-social partnership, effectively alleviated multiple facets of stress and anxiety disorder in parents of children newly diagnosed with sarcoma. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Nurses can facilitate and coordinate the collaboration among interprofessional team to deliver specialized psychological support services and ensure that parents of children with sarcoma have access to these services, ultimately enhancing their psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Peng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Sha-Sha Xiong
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Juan Li
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Mian Wang
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; Joint Research Centre for Primary Health Care, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Frances Kam Yuet Wong
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; Joint Research Centre for Primary Health Care, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Galtieri LR, Perez MN, Barakat LP. Quality of life of caregivers at the end of their child's pediatric cancer treatment: cancer-specific worry and material hardship. J Pediatr Psychol 2024; 49:348-355. [PMID: 38457310 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emerging research suggests that completion of pediatric cancer treatment can be challenging for caregivers given shifting roles and responsibilities. Lower caregiver quality of life (QOL) has been associated with cancer-related variables, higher cancer caregiving strain, and more household material hardship during pediatric cancer treatment. Caregiver QOL at the end of treatment has not been fully investigated but has implications for child and family well-being. Using a psycho-oncology framework, this study aimed to understand the cumulative burden of household material hardship and cancer-related factors on caregiver QOL at the end of treatment. METHODS Caregivers (N = 143) of children (Mage=10.51 years) within 1 year of ending active cancer treatment completed self-report questionnaires assessing their QOL, cancer-specific worry, and material hardship (e.g., housing, insurance). Total months of active cancer treatment were extracted from the medical record. Hierarchical linear regression was used to test the relative effects of length of treatment, material hardship, and cancer-specific worry on caregiver QOL. RESULTS Cancer-specific worry was significantly associated with and accounted for significant variance in caregiver QOL, above and beyond the length of treatment and material hardship. Caregivers who endorsed more cancer-specific worry had poorer QOL. Material hardship was also significantly associated with caregivers' QOL, but length of treatment was not. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers with sufficient resources and less worry about cancer have higher QOL. Findings highlight the importance of end-of-treatment screening of caregivers' subjective cancer-specific worry in addition to material hardship, irrespective of their cancer-related stressors, for ongoing psychosocial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana R Galtieri
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Megan N Perez
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lamia P Barakat
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Stegenga K, Henley AK, Harman E, Robb SL. Shifting perspectives and transformative change: Parent perspectives of an active music engagement intervention for themselves and their child with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30913. [PMID: 38337169 PMCID: PMC10959685 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with cancer (ages 3-8 years) and their parents experience significant, interrelated distress associated with cancer treatment. Active music engagement (AME) uses music-based play and shared music-making to mitigate this distress. To advance our understanding about how AME works and its essential features, we interviewed parents who received the AME intervention as part of a multi-site mechanistic trial. The purpose of this qualitative analysis was to describe parents' experiences of AME for themselves and their child and to better understand how the intervention worked to lower parent-child distress. PROCEDURE We conducted a total of 43 interviews with parents/caregivers, and purposively analyzed all interviews from underrepresented groups based on race/ethnicity and parent role. We used thematic analysis and achieved thematic redundancy after analyzing 28 interviews. RESULTS The following statement summarizes resulting themes: Music therapists skillfully use AME to create a safe and healthy space (Theme 1), where parents/children have transformative experiences (Theme 2) that lead to learning and enactment (Theme 3) of new skills that counteract suffering (Theme 4) through empowerment, connectedness, and sustained relief. CONCLUSIONS This work elucidates how AME works to counteract stressful qualities of cancer treatment. As parents witnessed positive and transformative changes in their child, they experienced relief and reported shifts in their perspective about cancer treatment. This led to learning and use of music as a coping strategy that extended beyond therapist-led sessions. Accessible, music-based interventions, like AME, offer a developmentally appropriate and effective way to support parents and young children during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Stegenga
- Children’s Mercy, Kansas City, Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Kansas City, MO
| | - Amanda K. Henley
- Indiana University, Herron School of Art and Design, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - Sheri L. Robb
- Indiana University, School of Nursing, Indianapolis, IN
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Sim JA, Horan MR, Choi J, Srivastava DK, Armstrong GT, Ness KK, Hudson MM, Huang IC. Multilevel Social Determinants of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Young Survivors of Childhood Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1661. [PMID: 38730616 PMCID: PMC11083567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, the social determinants of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in young survivors of childhood cancer aged <18 years are researched. This cross-sectional study investigated social determinants associated with poor PROs among young childhood cancer survivors. We included 293 dyads of survivors receiving treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who were <18 years of age during follow-up from 2017 to 2018 and their primary caregivers. Social determinants included family factors (caregiver-reported PROs, family dynamics) and county-level deprivation (socioeconomic status, physical environment via the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps). PROMIS measures assessed survivors' and caregivers' PROs. General linear regression tested associations of social determinants with survivors' PROs. We found that caregivers' higher anxiety was significantly associated with survivors' poorer depression, stress, fatigue, sleep issues, and reduced positive affect (p < 0.05); caregivers' sleep disturbances were significantly associated with lower mobility in survivors (p < 0.05). Family conflicts were associated with survivors' sleep problems (p < 0.05). Residing in socioeconomically deprived areas was significantly associated with survivors' poorer sleep quality (p < 0.05), while higher physical environment deprivation was associated with survivors' higher psychological stress and fatigue and lower positive affect and mobility (p < 0.05). Parental, family, and neighborhood factors are critical influences on young survivors' quality of life and well-being and represent new intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-ah Sim
- Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (J.-a.S.); (M.R.H.); (J.C.); (G.T.A.); (K.K.N.); (M.M.H.)
- Department of AI Convergence, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Madeline R. Horan
- Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (J.-a.S.); (M.R.H.); (J.C.); (G.T.A.); (K.K.N.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Jaesung Choi
- Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (J.-a.S.); (M.R.H.); (J.C.); (G.T.A.); (K.K.N.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Deo Kumar Srivastava
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| | - Gregory T. Armstrong
- Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (J.-a.S.); (M.R.H.); (J.C.); (G.T.A.); (K.K.N.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Kirsten K. Ness
- Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (J.-a.S.); (M.R.H.); (J.C.); (G.T.A.); (K.K.N.); (M.M.H.)
| | - Melissa M. Hudson
- Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (J.-a.S.); (M.R.H.); (J.C.); (G.T.A.); (K.K.N.); (M.M.H.)
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - I-Chan Huang
- Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; (J.-a.S.); (M.R.H.); (J.C.); (G.T.A.); (K.K.N.); (M.M.H.)
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Yaldo M, Pai AL, McGrady ME, Wallens E, Allen JM, Spraker-Perlman H, Ast A, Reeves T, Tillery Webster R. Factors influencing caregiver decisions to use complementary and integrative therapies in pediatric oncology settings: Findings from a qualitative analysis. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 70:102588. [PMID: 38669955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies (i.e., non-conventional Western medicine interventions) may reduce side-effects associated with pediatric oncology treatment. CIM therapies may also improve caregiver psychological and physical health that is exacerbated during pediatric cancer treatment. Despite known benefits, these therapies are not widely used within pediatric oncology populations in the United States. To guide and promote CIM use among this population, the aim of this project was to qualitatively explore factors that contribute to caregivers' decision to include CIM use in their own and child's care. METHODS Twenty caregivers of children (ages 0.5-14 years) being treated for cancer participated in this study. Each completed a demographic form and the CIM use questionnaire. Qualitative interviews followed by a card sort task were used to assess barriers and facilitators of uptake for caregivers and their child with cancer. RESULTS A number of predisposing (e.g., child age, beliefs) and needs factors (e.g., potential to treatment-related side-effects) provide insight into caregivers' decisions to use CIM for their child. Analyses also revealed the importance of enabling factors (e.g., resources) for caregiver use. Caregivers also reported benefiting from additional information about risk/benefit analysis of these therapies, and current research for CIM use in caregivers and children being treated for cancer. CONCLUSION Children may benefit from individually tailored complementary and integrative medicine consultations that explore patient history and specific needs factors to improve preference concordant care and uptake. Caregivers may benefit from support that improves enabling factors associated with care (e.g., improved accessibility).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Yaldo
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ahna Lh Pai
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Patient and Family Wellness Center, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Meghan E McGrady
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Patient and Family Wellness Center, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Emma Wallens
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer M Allen
- Department of Psychology, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Holly Spraker-Perlman
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Allison Ast
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Tegan Reeves
- Department of Epidemiology and Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, USA
| | - Rachel Tillery Webster
- Department of Psychology and Biobehavioral Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Avery M, Wolfe J, DeCourcey DD. Economic Hardship at the End of Life for Families of Children With Complex Chronic Conditions. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:e313-e319. [PMID: 38151216 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Many children with complex chronic medical conditions (CCC), though living longer, die prematurely. Little is known about family economic hardship during end of life (EOL), nor associated differences in patterns of care. OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence, experience, and characteristics of families of patients with CCC who report great economic hardship (GEH), and associations with end-of-life care patterns and suffering. METHODS We conducted a 183-item cross-sectional survey of bereaved parents of patients cared for at Boston Children's Hospital and chart reviews for each patient. Fifteen survey items on economic hardship related to financial and material hardships including food, housing, and utility insecurity. RESULTS A total of 114 bereaved parents completed the survey (54% response rate) and economic hardship data was analyzed for 105. Nearly a fifth reported GEH. This group was characterized by fewer two parent households. Children from families with GEH had spent more time hospitalized than those without GEH. CONCLUSION Economic burden on families of children with CCC correlates with higher health care utilization demonstrating the need for ameliorative resources and preventative measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Avery
- Pediatric Palliative Care (M.V., J.W.), Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Pediatric Palliative Care (M.V., J.W.), Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danielle D DeCourcey
- Division of Medical Critical Care (D.D.D.), Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston Massachusetts, USA
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Luo Y, Xu J, Xie J, Xiao P, Cai Q. The mediating role of resilience in the relationship between stress and psychological distress in parents of children with cancer. J Health Psychol 2024; 29:266-274. [PMID: 37840285 DOI: 10.1177/13591053231202635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Caring for children with cancer is stressful for parents and leads to psychological distress, which is mainly manifested as depressive symptoms and anxiety. This study explored the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between stress and psychological distress in parents of children with cancer. We recruited 258 parents of children with cancer in three tertiary hospitals in Mainland China. The results revealed that the mediating effect of resilience for the relationships between stress and depressive symptoms and between stress and anxiety accounted for 23.4% and 11.4%, respectively, of the total effect. Resilience was confirmed as a protective factor that can be incorporated into future intervention programmes to improve the psychological well-being of parents of children with cancer. Future studies could develop resilience training programmes to enhance the resilience of parents of children with cancer to alleviate parents' psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhui Luo
- Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University, China
| | - Jing Xu
- The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China
| | | | - Pin Xiao
- Hunan Children's Hospital, China
| | - Qian Cai
- The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China
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Thomas S, Ryan NP, Byrne LK, Hendrieckx C, White V. Psychological Distress Among Parents of Children With Chronic Health Conditions and Its Association With Unmet Supportive Care Needs and Children's Quality of Life. J Pediatr Psychol 2024; 49:45-55. [PMID: 37840456 PMCID: PMC10799716 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess parent psychological distress in families of children with common chronic health conditions (CHC) and to explore relationships between parent psychological distress, unmet supportive care needs and children's quality of life (QoL). METHOD Cross-sectional study involving parents of children diagnosed with a common CHC between 0 and 12 years of age and who had received treatment within the last 5 years. Eligible parents completed an online survey, that included the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) assessing distress in parents and a 34-item assessment of unmet supportive care needs across 6 domains. Parents completed ratings of their child's current functioning (QoL) using the 23-item PedsQL. Multivariable regression models examined the relative association between unmet needs, children's QoL and parents' depression, anxiety, and stress. RESULTS The sample consisted of 194 parents of children with congenital heart disease (n=97; 50%), diabetes (n=50; 26%), cancer (n=39; 20%), and asthma (n=8; 4%). A significant proportion of parents had moderate-severe symptoms of depression (26%), anxiety (38%), and stress (40%). Of the PedsQL scales, the poorest outcomes were found for emotional and school functioning. Multivariable analyses showed that both higher unmet needs and poorer child emotional functioning were associated with parent depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. CONCLUSION Evidence linking parent distress symptoms to higher unmet needs and poorer child emotional functioning suggests these factors may be targets for interventions to alleviate parent distress. Longitudinal research using larger samples is required to replicate findings, and clarify the magnitude and direction of associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeetha Thomas
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Australia
| | - Nicholas P Ryan
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Linda K Byrne
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Australia
- Faculty of Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, The Cairnmillar Institute, Australia
| | - Christel Hendrieckx
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Australia
- The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Institute of Health Transformation, Deakin University, Australia
| | - Victoria White
- Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Australia
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
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Skeens MA, Montgomery KE. Bridging Theory, Research, and Practice to Guide the Next Generation of Symptom Interventions. Cancer Nurs 2024; 47:1-2. [PMID: 38019595 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
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12
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Joosten MMH, Maurice-Stam H, van Gorp M, Beek LR, Stremler-van Holten D, Scholten L, Grootenhuis MA. Efficacy of Op Koers Online, an online group intervention for parents of children with cancer: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6284. [PMID: 38282215 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parents of children with cancer are at risk for developing psychosocial problems. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of an online group intervention (Op Koers Online, in English: On Track Online) on psychosocial wellbeing and coping skills. METHODS Parents of a child with cancer (diagnosis <5 years ago) participated in a randomized controlled trial. In six consecutive (and one booster-) protocolled sessions in an online chatroom, trained psychologists and social workers taught coping skills using cognitive behavioral and acceptance and commitment techniques. Questionnaires assessed anxiety, depression, distress, situation-specific emotional reactions and coping skills (Op Koers Questionnaire/Cognitive Coping Strategies Scale Parent Form) and evaluated the intervention. Linear mixed-model analyses were performed to detect differences between the conditions in changes over time; T0-T1 and T0-T2 (6-week and 6-month follow-up), and to detect changes in scores T2-T3 (12-month follow-up) for the intervention group only. RESULTS 89 parents were included in analyses (mean age 41.9 years, 86% female, 62%/38% post/during treatment of their child). Beneficial intervention effects (p < 0.05) were found at T1 for anxiety, depression, distress, loneliness and relaxation, and at T2 for anxiety, uncertainty and relaxation. In the intervention condition, scores did not change from T2 to T3, except loneliness that decreased and relaxation that improved. All effect sizes were small to medium (β = -0.21 to 0.46). Parents were generally positive about the intervention. CONCLUSIONS Op Koers Online for parents of children with cancer has a positive effect on psychosocial wellbeing and the coping skill relaxation. Implementation is recommended to prevent psychosocial problems. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Dutch Trial Register https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en NL73763.041.20.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M H Joosten
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - H Maurice-Stam
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M van Gorp
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L R Beek
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - L Scholten
- Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M A Grootenhuis
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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13
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Perez MN, Deatrick JA, Barakat LP. Caregiver condition management and family functioning after pediatric cancer treatment: Moderation by race and ethnicity. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6263. [PMID: 38040486 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE End of pediatric cancer treatment requires family adjustment. Caregivers who struggle to incorporate the child's condition into family life have poorer family outcomes. To better understand factors that contribute to successful transition off active childhood cancer treatment, we sought to examine caregiver perceived management ability of the youth's condition and family functioning as predictors of caregiver distress, evaluate family functioning as a mediator between perceived ability and distress, and explore race and ethnicity as a moderator between perceived ability and family functioning. METHODS Caregivers (N = 141) completed measures assessing family management (condition management ability; CMA), family functioning, and distress as part of a clinical education and screening program within 1 year of the end of treatment. Bias-corrected bootstrap regression analyses examined mediation and moderated mediation models with patient race and ethnicity as the moderator. RESULTS The overall mediation model was statistically significant for CMA→family functioning→distress. Race and ethnicity moderated the relationship between CMA and family functioning, but the full model was not significant. CMA was related to family functioning for caregivers of non-Hispanic white youth, but not caregivers of Hispanic youth. Family functioning was related to distress for all caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Family functioning serves as an initial intervention target to reduce caregiver distress. Caregiver perceived management ability of their child's condition is a meaningful predictor of family functioning and distress for caregivers of non-Hispanic white youth, yet CMA may be limited as a screener of family management patterns for diverse populations, and other family management dimension may be more applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan N Perez
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Janet A Deatrick
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lamia P Barakat
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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14
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Fisher AP, Patronick J, Moscato EL, Gerhardt CA, Treble-Barna A, Radonovich K, Wade SL. Barriers to Care and Perceived Need for Mental Health Services Among Adolescent and Emerging Adult Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumors. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023. [PMID: 38100322 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2023.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) commonly experience mental health challenges, which can be exacerbated during adolescence and emerging adulthood (AEA). We examined survivors and caregivers' perceived need for mental health services and barriers to receiving mental health care. Methods: Families completed surveys to assess perceived need for mental health services, socioemotional impairment, and barriers to mental health services. Survivors were between 13 and 25 years of age and were at least 5 years from diagnosis. Results: Sixty-nine caregiver-PBTS dyads participated, as well as 18 survivors and 20 caregivers who participated individually. Approximately half of survivors were male (n = 57, 52.3%), 85% (n = 93) were White, and their average age was 19.31. Most caregivers (n = 63, 70.8%) and survivors (n = 55, 63.2%) endorsed need for services for the survivors. Adolescents endorsed more barriers related to perceived helpfulness, t(18) = 2.3, p = 0.03, d = 0.54, and effects of services, t(18) = 3.8, p < 0.001, d = 0.88, than their caregivers. Emerging adults, t(34) = 2.4, p = 0.02, d = 0.41, endorsed more content barriers than their caregivers.. Discussion: Both survivors and their caregivers reported obstacles to accessing mental health services such as perceived lack of need, concerns regarding the effectiveness and usefulness of services, and limited knowledge about the content of services. Psychoeducation and psychosocial screening can support families in understanding survivors' need for mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P Fisher
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jamie Patronick
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily L Moscato
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Amery Treble-Barna
- Neurodevelopmental Center, WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Krestin Radonovich
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Clinical and Translational Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shari L Wade
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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15
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Bakula DM, Wallisch A, Slosky L, Dean K, Davis A, Edwards S. Prevalence of Parent Mental Health Problems in an Interdisciplinary Feeding Clinic: Short Communication. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2023; 77:824-827. [PMID: 37779232 PMCID: PMC10841045 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000003958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Parents of children with pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) often experience high stress and may be at advanced risk for mental health conditions. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 413 parents who completed intake surveys at an interdisciplinary feeding clinic to determine the prevalence and types of mental health conditions among parents; 41.8% of parents reported a mental health diagnosis among the mother and/or father. Of the parents with mental health conditions, the most prevalent conditions reported were anxiety (71.1% for mothers, 50% for fathers) and mood disorders (62.7% for mothers, 40.9% for fathers). For mothers, 21.1% indicated their mental health disorder had a postpartum onset. Parents of children with birth complications were more likely to have a mental health condition (50.9%) than parents of children without a birth complication (38.7%), and parents reporting mental health conditions had children with significantly more co-occurring medical conditions. Since parent stress and mental health can influence parent-child interactions during mealtime, this study suggests the importance of addressing both parent mental health factors and child factors when treating children for PFD. Future studies are needed to develop novel interventions that support the specific mental health needs of parents of children with PFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Bakula
- From Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
- the School of Medicine, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
- the Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition, Kansas City, MO
| | - Anna Wallisch
- Juniper Gardens Children's Project, University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS
| | - Laura Slosky
- From Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
- the School of Medicine, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Kelsey Dean
- the Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition, Kansas City, MO
- the Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Ann Davis
- the Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition, Kansas City, MO
- the Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Sarah Edwards
- From Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
- the School of Medicine, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
- the Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition, Kansas City, MO
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16
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Young K, Cashion C, Ekberg S, Hassall T, Bradford N. Quality of life and family functioning soon after paediatric brain tumour diagnosis: A cross-sectional observational study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2023; 67:102463. [PMID: 37951071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2023.102463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is scant scholarly exploration of quality of life in families with a child who has a brain tumour early after diagnosis, despite this being a pivotal point in their illness trajectory. We aimed to describe quality of life in children and their parents, and family functioning, within six months of diagnosis; and to examine if this differed for various subpopulations. METHOD This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data of an ongoing longitudinal survey. Parents/carers of a child who had a diagnosis of a malignant or non-malignant brain tumour and were receiving care at the Queensland Children's Hospital were invited to complete an electronic survey. Univariate analyses were conducted with potential covariates and each dependent variable (child quality of life, caregiver quality of life, family functioning). Potential relationships between the outcome variables were explored through Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS Seventy-nine diverse families completed the survey between August 2020 and September 2022. Caregiver quality of life did not differ by the child's tumour risk grade. It was lowest for those with a child who had undergone chemotherapy and/or radiation compared to surgery only, and for those with a child who had been diagnosed 6 months prior to survey completion compared to more recent diagnoses. A third of families reported problematic family functioning. Lower levels of problematic family functioning were associated with higher caregiver quality of life (r = -.49, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest caregivers need greater psychosocial support early after diagnosis, and supports the need for family-centred care that fosters communication and cohesiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Young
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 515 Ring Rd, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia; Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, 62 Graham St, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia.
| | - Christine Cashion
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, 62 Graham St, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia; Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, 501 Stanley St, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Stuart Ekberg
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 515 Ring Rd, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia; Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, 62 Graham St, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia; School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, O Block, Ring Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Timothy Hassall
- Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, 62 Graham St, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia; Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, 501 Stanley St, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Natalie Bradford
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 515 Ring Rd, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia; Children's Brain Cancer Centre at the Centre for Children's Health Research, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Government, 62 Graham St, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
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17
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Stefana A, Gamba A. Making the Best in a Bad Job: A Psychoanalytic Perspective on Communication with Children and Adolescents with Severe Physical Condutions. THE PSYCHOANALYTIC QUARTERLY 2023; 92:463-497. [PMID: 38032764 DOI: 10.1080/00332828.2023.2269940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Ill children/adolescents who suffer from severe organic diseases have to cope with their inner experiences, therapies, and the global burden of the disease. Although sometimes depression, anger, and death anxiety are openly encountered in medical settings, other times they can be partially hidden by a reactive and defensive path. In these scenarios, psychoanalysis is challenged to contribute the best comprehension of the intimate communication, maybe hidden, and the needs of the ill patients to express themselves. The best way a child can talk about himself is through spontaneous creativity. The adult's task is to facilitate the creation of an empty space and to recognize the child's mode of communication. There may be intense emotional reactions that the adult has to tolerate to not move the patient towards an over-adaptation. These over-adaptations entail the child being forced to feel good or have fun, thereby causing them to escape from their inner experience. The loss of the child's reality forms an additional burden to the child. The most valid indicator of this attitude is the ability to not take counterphobic attitudes but to allow the depression to be shared in a contact space between the child's true self and the perceived environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Stefana
- Alberta Stefana Corso Giacomo Matteotti 40, 25122 Brescia, Italy
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18
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Bense JE, Stiggelbout AM, Lankester AC, de Pagter APJ. Long-term parental distress after pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for nonmalignant diseases. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30638. [PMID: 37638835 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival rates have continued to increase for pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for nonmalignant diseases. Despite the crucial role of caregivers in this high-intensity treatment, knowledge about long-term parental impact is lacking. PROCEDURE This cross-sectional study assessed parental distress and everyday problems in parents of patients 2 years and older after pediatric HSCT for a nonmalignant disease using Distress Thermometer for Parents (DT-P), and compared outcomes to matched Dutch parents of healthy children and Dutch parents of children with a chronic condition (CC). RESULTS Median follow-up was 5.3 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.9-8.6). Underlying diseases were inborn errors of immunity (N = 30), hemoglobinopathies (N = 13), and bone marrow failure (N = 27). Mothers of pediatric HSCT recipients (N = 70) reported comparable overall distress levels to mothers of healthy children, but experienced more distress related to parenting problems, specifically managing their child's emotions, discussing disease consequences, and fostering independence. Fathers of HSCT recipients (N = 45) reported higher overall distress levels and had more emotional distress compared to fathers of healthy children. CONCLUSIONS Overall, parental distress and everyday problems of parents of HSCT recipients are comparable to those of parents of children with CC. However, there is ongoing parental burden, both emotional and in parenting, long-term after HSCT compared to parents of healthy children, and the type of burden differs between mothers and fathers. These results indicate that individualized parental supportive care should not remain restricted to the acute hospitalization phase, but also be actively offered during long-term follow-up after pediatric HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joëll E Bense
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anne M Stiggelbout
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Medical Decision Making, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan C Lankester
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anne P J de Pagter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation, Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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19
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Erdoğan B, Yıldız S, Bayram D, Kılıçarslan Törüner E, Altay N. Back to school readiness scale for children with oncological problems: 7-18 years of age. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 73:e594-e601. [PMID: 37945458 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Childhood cancers are one of the important health problems in both developed and underdeveloped countries. The cancer treatment process is a difficult period that can last for months or years, interrupt school activities for a while, or even cause them to leave completely, and require long-term hospitalization. PURPOSE This study was carried out to develop the Back to School Readiness Scale for Children with Oncological Problems: 7-18 years of age, and to establish its validity and reliability. METHOD The research is a methodological study and the validity and reliability study of a developed scale was conducted. RESULTS Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was determined as 0.951. As a result of Bartlett's test analysis, Chi-Square value is 6261.566, degree of freedom is 703 and the value found is significant (p = 0.00, p < 0.05). While the loadings of the items on the first factor vary between 0.79 and 0.46, the loads on the second factor vary between 0.76 and.47. The item-total-test correlation value is 0.63. Total Croncabh alpha (α) value of the scale is 0.97. CONCLUSION Back to School Readiness Scale for Children with Oncological Problems: 7-18 years of age is a valid and reliable measurement tool. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Returning to school is a difficult process for children living with cancer due to long-term hospitalization. This scale can be used by both pediatric nurses and school nurses to evaluate children's return to school. Additionally, children and families can get an idea about preparing for returning to school by applying this scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgül Erdoğan
- Kocaeli University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Türkiye.
| | - Sümeyye Yıldız
- Gazi University, Faculty of Nursing, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Türkiye.
| | - Dilek Bayram
- Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Türkiye.
| | | | - Naime Altay
- Gazi University, Faculty of Nursing, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Türkiye.
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20
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Umaretiya PJ, Koch VB, Flamand Y, Aziz-Bose R, Ilcisin L, Valenzuela A, Cole PD, Gennarini LM, Kahn JM, Kelly KM, Tran TH, Michon B, Welch JJG, Wolfe J, Silverman LB, Bona K. Disparities in parental distress in a multicenter clinical trial for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:1179-1187. [PMID: 37261858 PMCID: PMC10560600 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parent psychological distress during childhood cancer treatment has short- and long-term implications for parent, child, and family well-being. Identifying targetable predictors of parental distress is essential to inform interventions. We investigated the association between household material hardship (HMH), a modifiable poverty-exposure defined as housing, food, or utility insecurity, and severe psychological distress among parents of children aged 1-17 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) enrolled on the multicenter Dana-Farber ALL Consortium Trial 16-001. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of parent-reported data. Parents completed an HMH survey within 32 days of clinical trial enrollment (T0) and again at 6 months into therapy (T1). The primary exposure was HMH at T0 and primary outcome was severe parental distress at T0 and T1, defined as a score greater than or equal to 13 on the Kessler-6 Psychological Distress Scale. Multivariable models were adjusted for ALL risk group and single parent status. RESULTS Among 375 evaluable parents, one-third (32%; n = 120/375) reported HMH at T0. In multivariable analyses, T0 HMH was associated with over twice the odds of severe psychological distress at T0 and T1 HMH was associated with over 5 times the odds of severe distress at T1. CONCLUSIONS Despite uniform clinical trial treatment of their children at well-resourced pediatric centers, HMH-exposed parents-compared with unexposed parents-experienced statistically significantly increased odds of severe psychological distress at the time of their child's leukemia diagnosis, which worsened 6 months into therapy. These data identify a high-risk parental population who may benefit from early psychosocial and HMH-targeted interventions to mitigate disparities in well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja J Umaretiya
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victoria B Koch
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yael Flamand
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rahela Aziz-Bose
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lenka Ilcisin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ariana Valenzuela
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter D Cole
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Justine M Kahn
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Columbia, University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kara M Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Thai Hoa Tran
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Charles-Bruneau Cancer Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bruno Michon
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Quebec, Saint-Foy, QC, Canada
| | - Jennifer J G Welch
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lewis B Silverman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kira Bona
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Irestorm E, van Gorp M, Twisk J, Nijhof S, de Bont J, Grootenhuis M, van Litsenburg R. Longitudinal development of fatigue after treatment for childhood cancer: a national cohort study. Acta Oncol 2023; 62:1309-1321. [PMID: 37676687 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2023.2254477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatigue is a distressing and prevalent long-term sequela of treatment for childhood cancer, and there is a need for longitudinal studies to investigate the development of fatigue over time. The objective of this study was to calculate growth-curves for the longitudinal development of fatigue after treatment for childhood cancer, and to investigate the effects of biopsychosocial predictors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants were recruited from a patient monitoring program and data extracted from medical records. Parent-proxy and self-report versions of PedsQLTM Multidimensional Fatigue Scale were used to repeatedly assess fatigue up to 5 years after the end of treatment for childhood cancer. Fatigue was assessed 2440 times for 761 participants (median:3) with proxy-reports (age 2-8 years) and 2657 times for 990 participants with self-reports (above 8 years) (median:2). Mixed models were used to establish growth-curves and to analyze the effect of predictors separately for participants with solid tumors (ST), hemato-oncological malignancies and central nervous system-tumors (CNS). RESULTS CNS-tumors were associated with more cognitive fatigue than ST at the end of treatment, for both proxy-reports (-11.30, p<.001) and self-reports (-6.78, p=.002), and for proxy-reports of general fatigue (-6.78, p=.002). The only significant difference in change over time was for self-reports of sleep-rest fatigue. The raw scores for the CNS-group decreased with -0.87 per year (95% CI -1.64; -0.81, p=.031) compared to the ST-group. Parental distress was overall the variable most associated with increased fatigue, while immunotherapy was the most frequent medical predictor. National centralization of childhood cancer care decreased fatigue for the CNS-group, but not for other diagnoses. DISCUSSION Children and adolescents treated for CNS-tumors reported more fatigue than other participants after the end of treatment, and this difference remained over time. Results from this study may help to facilitate the early recognition of children with insufficient recovery of fatigue symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Irestorm
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes van Gorp
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Nijhof
- Department of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Judith de Bont
- Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Sharkey CM, Bates CR. Overcoming the exclusion of marginalized caregiver and patient groups in pediatric brain tumor research. Neurooncol Pract 2023; 10:403-405. [PMID: 37720390 PMCID: PMC10502776 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npad030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Sharkey
- Department of Psychology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Carolyn R Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Moscato EL, Fisher AP, Pillay-Smiley N, Salloum R, Wade SL. Caregivers matter: Neurological vulnerability for pediatric brain tumor survivors. Neurooncol Pract 2023; 10:418-428. [PMID: 37720398 PMCID: PMC10502790 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are at risk of worse quality of life (QOL) due to the impact of neurotoxic treatments on the developing nervous system. Parenting factors such as protectiveness have been linked to worse QOL in childhood cancer survivors generally, but have yet to be explored for PBTS. We examined whether parenting behaviors moderated the association between neurotoxic treatment and QOL for PBTS. Methods PBTS (n = 40; ages 10-25) and their caregivers (n = 47) completed measures of parenting behaviors including warmth (support/connectedness) and psychological control (protectiveness) and QOL. We divided the sample into moderate/high and low neurotoxicity groups based on chart review using the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Rating of Treatment Intensity and examined moderator effects. Results Survivor-reported primary caregiver warmth moderated the relationship between neurotoxicity and caregiver-reported QOL. Moderate/high neurotoxicity was associated with lower caregiver-reported QOL only when survivor-reported primary caregiver warmth was low, P = .02. Similar results were found for survivor-reported QOL. Caregiver-reported psychological control moderated the association between neurotoxicity and caregiver-reported QOL such that neurotoxicity only affected QOL at high levels of psychological control, P = .01. Conclusions Heightened associations between parenting and QOL in the context of neurotoxic treatments underscore the need to better support PBTS. Findings are consistent with research suggesting that family factors may be particularly important for children with other neurological insults. Limitations include cross-sectional design and a small/heterogeneous clinical sample with low ethnic/racial diversity. Prospective studies are needed to refine evidence-based screening and develop psychosocial intervention strategies to optimize QOL for PBTS and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Moscato
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Allison P Fisher
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Natasha Pillay-Smiley
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, The Cure Starts Now Foundation Brain Tumor Center; Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ralph Salloum
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shari L Wade
- Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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24
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Bateman S, Caes L, Eccleston C, Noel M, Jordan A. Co-occurring chronic pain and primary psychological disorders in adolescents: A scoping review. PAEDIATRIC & NEONATAL PAIN 2023; 5:57-65. [PMID: 37744281 PMCID: PMC10514777 DOI: 10.1002/pne2.12107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Long-term health conditions, whether mental or physical, often co-occur in adolescents. For instance, adolescents with chronic pain may experience co-occurring primary psychological disorders. In this scoping review, we determine the influence of co-occurring chronic pain and primary psychological disorders on adolescents' functioning. A systematic search of six databases was conducted to identify articles if they were: (1) peer-reviewed; (2) reported original findings; (3) included participants aged 11-19 years, who experienced chronic pain (i.e., pain lasting 3 months or more) and had a co-occurring diagnosis of a primary psychological disorder; and (4) assessed functioning. Searches returned 9864 articles after the removal of duplicates. A two-phase abstract and full-text screening process identified two eligible articles which compared emotional functioning (n = 1) and social functioning (n = 2) between groups of adolescents with co-occurring chronic pain and primary psychological disorders with adolescents only reporting chronic pain. Overall findings revealed no differences in social functioning, but adolescents with co-occurring chronic pain and a primary psychological disorder (depression and anxiety) reported worse emotional functioning compared with adolescents with chronic pain alone. This review confirms the limited research on the co-occurrence of primary psychological disorders and chronic pain in adolescents by only identifying two eligible articles exploring the co-occurrence of chronic pain with depression, anxiety, and/or attentional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Bateman
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of BathBathUK
- Centre for Pain ResearchUniversity of BathBathUK
| | - Line Caes
- Division of Psychology, Faculty of Natural SciencesUniversity of StirlingStirlingUK
| | | | - Melanie Noel
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryAlbertaCanada
| | - Abbie Jordan
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of BathBathUK
- Centre for Pain ResearchUniversity of BathBathUK
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25
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Smith NDW, Boone DM, Schimmel-Bristow A, Rawlins J, Ellingham L, Sobalvarro S, Faith MA. The mediating role of caregiver hope in relations among caregivers' coping and emotional socialization beliefs in pediatric oncology. J Psychosoc Oncol 2023; 42:271-285. [PMID: 37589450 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2241855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to identify links between caregiver hope, caregiver coping behaviors, and caregivers' coaching versus dismissing emotion socialization (ES) beliefs in a pediatric cancer sample. Self-report measures. Caregivers (N = 183, 80.20% mothers; 58.5% white; 32.2% Hispanic) of youth undergoing cancer treatment (51.10% hematological malignancy, 15.30% brain or spinal [CNS] tumor, and 25.14% non-CNS solid tumor) for at least six weeks. We used a series of mediation models to examine links between caregivers' coping behaviors, hope, and ES beliefs. Caregivers' hope significantly mediated a positive relation between caregivers' coping and their emotion coaching beliefs, as well as an inverse relation between caregivers' maladaptive coping and their emotion dismissing beliefs. Enhancing caregivers' hope or adaptive coping may support caregivers' beliefs during the pediatric cancer experience. Our findings support future research to evaluate whether enhancing caregivers' hope or adaptive coping may help support evidence-based interventions that target ES beliefs and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas David W Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida Health System, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Dianna M Boone
- Center for Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Allison Schimmel-Bristow
- Center for Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Jonathan Rawlins
- Center for Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Lauren Ellingham
- Center for Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Sarah Sobalvarro
- Center for Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa A Faith
- Center for Behavioral Health, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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26
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Cowfer BA, Dietrich MS, Akard TF, Gilmer MJ. Relationships Between Parental Anxiety and Child Quality of Life in Advanced Childhood Cancer. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2023; 40:209-216. [PMID: 37032466 DOI: 10.1177/27527530221147876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Background: Family factors, such as household income and parental psychosocial distress, have been associated with quality of life in children with cancer. However, relationships between parent anxiety and child health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have not been evaluated in children with advanced cancer. Objective: To examine relationships between parent anxiety and both parent-reported and child self-reported HRQoL for children with advanced cancer. Method: Children (aged 5-17 years) with relapsed or refractory cancer and their parents participated in this single-institution cross-sectional study. Parents completed measures of their own baseline anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait [STAI-T] form) and their ill child's HRQoL (PedsQL Generic and PedsQL Cancer, parent report). Children completed age-specific PedsQL Generic and PedsQL Cancer, child report. Spearman's rho coefficients assessed correlations between total parent STAI-T score and both parent-reported and child-reported HRQoL scales. Results: Twenty children (Mage = 9.5 years, 50% female) and their 20 parents (90% mothers) participated. The strongest and statistically significant (p < .05) correlations were inverse associations between parental trait anxiety and parent-reported child psychosocial HRQoL (rs = -.54), emotional functioning (rs = -.49), school functioning (rs = -.45), and child pain and hurt (rs = -.45). Correlations of parental anxiety with all dimensions of child-reported HRQoL were generally smaller (rs < .40), positive, and not statistically significant (p > .05). Discussion: Given the inverse correlations between parental anxiety and child psychosocial HRQoL, assessment of parent mental health needs and access to interventions should be provided routinely for parents of children with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Cowfer
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mary S Dietrich
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Terrah Foster Akard
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mary Jo Gilmer
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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Bingen K, Karst J, Anderson L, Chan S, Jordan A, Morin J, Nichols J, Palou-Torres A, Phelan R, Schmidt D, Yan K, Hoag JA. Evaluation of a transition to survivorship program for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer patients and caregivers. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70:e30277. [PMID: 36880713 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivorship education and anticipatory guidance represent an unmet need for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors and their caregivers when treatment ends. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a structured transition program, bridging treatment to survivorship, to reduce distress and anxiety and increase perceived preparedness for survivors and caregivers. PROCEDURE Bridge to Next Steps is a two-visit program, within 8 weeks prior to treatment completion and 7 months post treatment, which provides survivorship education, psychosocial screening, and resources. Fifty survivors (age range 1-23 years) and 46 caregivers participated. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention measures: Distress Thermometer and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety/emotional distress (ages ≥8 years), and perceived preparedness survey (ages ≥14 years). AYA survivors and caregivers completed a post-intervention acceptability survey. RESULTS Most participants (77.8%) completed both visits, and most AYA survivors (57.1%) and caregivers (76.5%) endorsed the program as helpful. Caregivers' distress and anxiety scores decreased from pre to post intervention (p < .01). Survivors' scores remained the same, which were low at baseline. Survivors and caregivers felt more prepared for survivorship from pre to post intervention (p = .02, <.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Bridge to Next Steps was feasible and acceptable for most participants. AYA survivors and caregivers felt more prepared for survivorship care after participation. Caregivers reported decreased anxiety and distress from pre to post Bridge, whereas survivors remained at a low level for both. Effective transition programs that better prepare and support pediatric and AYA cancer survivors and families from active treatment to survivorship care can contribute to healthy adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Bingen
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jeffrey Karst
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Lynnette Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sherilynn Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anna Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | - Akasha Palou-Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rachel Phelan
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Ke Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jennifer A Hoag
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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28
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Wu WW, Shiu CS, Lu FL, Tang CC, Jou ST, Chen JS, Liu YL, Tsai SY. Medical clowning influences the emotions of parents of children undergoing cancer treatment: A quasi-experimental study. J Pediatr Nurs 2023:S0882-5963(23)00093-3. [PMID: 37120387 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical clowning for children has been found to be effective at enhancing parents' psychological well-being during preoperative preparation, but has not been found during cancer treatment. This study aimed to examine whether and how medical clowning influenced the emotions of parents of children undergoing cancer treatment. METHODS In this quasi-experimental study, 96 parents of children receiving inpatient cancer treatment were recruited, from June 2018 through April 2020. A demographic questionnaire measuring characteristics of parent and dyadic child, Brief Symptom Rating Scale measuring psychological distress of the parent, and Mood Assessment Scale measuring emotional status of parent and child were administered 1 day before a clowning service. The day after the clowning service, the Mood Assessment Scale again collected emotional status for parent and child. Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis, and structural equation modeling to fit the actor-partner, cross-lagged model were used. FINDINGS Parents experienced a low degree of psychological distress that called for emotional management. The indirect effect of medical clowning on parents' emotions through children's emotions was significant, as were the direct effect and total effect of medical clowning on parents' emotions. DISCUSSION Parents experienced psychological distress during their child's inpatient cancer treatment. Medical clowning can directly improve children's emotions and through this pathway indirectly improve their parents' emotions. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE There is need to monitor psychological distress and provide interventions for parents of children undergoing cancer treatment. Medical clowns should continue to serve parent-child dyads in pediatric oncology practice and become members of multidisciplinary health care teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wen Wu
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Adjunct Supervisor, Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Shi Shiu
- Department of Social Work, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Frank L Lu
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Tang
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Adjunct Supervisor, Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiann-Tang Jou
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Shiuh Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Lin Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Yu Tsai
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Adjunct Supervisor, Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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29
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Saleh MS, Mohammed AM, Bassiouni D, Mostafa HH, Monir ZM. Evaluation of health-related quality of life and its domains in pediatric patients with cancer. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst 2023; 35:9. [PMID: 37062773 DOI: 10.1186/s43046-023-00168-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-related quality of life has emerged as a significant component in pediatric oncology research during the last several decades. Measures of health-related quality of life provide a thorough assessment of the child's response to medical therapy, disease course, and adjustment outcomes in the context of pediatric oncology. METHODS The aim of the present study was to assess the cancer-specific health-related quality of life in cancer pediatric patients and to evaluate the contribution of its domains and some of the anthropometric, sociodemographic, and treatment-related variables on the overall quality of life, by using the PedsQL™ 3.0 Cancer Module. RESULTS The study included 110 cases. The mean value of the PedsQL™ 3.0 Cancer Module score was 49.3 ± 12.0. The lowest mean score of quality of life was for the "procedure anxiety" (8.7 ± 23.9), followed by the "worry" domains (16.6 ± 28.5). Higher "frequency of hospital visits" was associated with increased feeling of pain and treatment anxiety yet decrease in suffering from nausea and vice versa. The longer period of hospital admission for more than half of the recommended treatment period was associated with reduced pain suffering on the expense of increase in feeling of worry as well as communication problems. The perceived physical appearance was better among those patients who spent a treatment period for 3-6 months when compared to those who spent a treatment period less than 3 months or more than 6 months. There was a highly significant association between all the eight-cancer-specific quality-of-life domains except the pain domain- and the overall quality-of-life log scores. Nausea problem followed by worry and cognitive problems was the most effective domains on the overall quality-of-life score. CONCLUSION Cancer pediatric patients suffered low quality of life especially for anxiety procedure and worry domains with special consideration for the impact of nausea, worry, and cognitive problems on their perception of quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Sabry Saleh
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Mahmoud Mohammed
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dina Bassiouni
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Neves MC, Bártolo A, Prins JB, Sales CMD, Monteiro S. Taking Care of an Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivor: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Cancer on Family Caregivers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085488. [PMID: 37107768 PMCID: PMC10138338 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Research usually investigates adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer in combination with younger and older cancer patients and survivors. However, AYAs with cancer are a unique group, and their caregivers' experience may also differ from other caregivers of cancer survivors. This systematic review aims to understand the impact of a cancer diagnosis on family caregivers, comparing the experience of caregivers of AYA childhood cancer survivors (AYA CCS) and caregivers of AYA with cancer. Relevant studies were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and their quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklists. Sixteen studies (17 reports) met the inclusion criteria. Findings were synthesized separately for caregivers of AYA CCS and caregivers of AYA with cancer. Results showed that caregivers in both groups experienced high distress after the diagnosis. Partners of AYAs with cancer experienced diminished quality of life (QoL) and over half reported moderate to high fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Findings indicated that cancer negatively impacts family caregivers, regardless of the patient's age at diagnosis. However, findings are heterogeneous, and most do not focus on QoL or FCR. More research is needed on the impact of cancer among these family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carolina Neves
- Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Ana Bártolo
- I2P—Portucalense Institute of Psychology, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- RECI—Research in Education and Community Intervention, Piaget Institute—ISEIT/Viseu, 3515-776 Viseu, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Judith B. Prins
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Célia M. D. Sales
- Center for Psychology at the University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Monteiro
- CINTESIS@RISE, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Departament of Social Sciences and Management, Open University, 1269-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Center for Global Studies, Open University, 1269-001 Lisboa, Portugal
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31
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Robb SL, Stegenga K, Perkins SM, Stump TE, Moody KM, Henley AK, MacLean J, Jacob SA, Delgado D, Haut PR. Mediators and Moderators of Active Music Engagement to Reduce Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Improve Well-being in Parents of Young Children With Cancer. Integr Cancer Ther 2023; 22:15347354231218266. [PMID: 38145309 PMCID: PMC10750508 DOI: 10.1177/15347354231218266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This trial examined the effects of proximal/distal mediators and moderators of an Active Music Engagement (AME) intervention on young child/parent distress, quality of life, and family function outcomes. METHODS Child/parent dyads (n = 125) were randomized to AME or Audio-storybooks attention control condition. Each group received 3 sessions with a credentialed music therapist for 3 consecutive days with data collection at baseline, post-intervention (T2), and 30-days later (T3). Potential proximal mediators included within session child and parent engagement. Potential distal mediators included changes in perceived family normalcy, parent self-efficacy, and independent use of play materials. Potential moderators included parent/child distress with prior hospitalizations, parent traumatic stress screener (PCL-6), and child age. Outcomes included child emotional distress and quality of life; parent emotion, traumatic stress symptoms (IES-R), well-being; and family function. Mediation effects were estimated using ANCOVA, with indirect effects estimated using the percentile bootstrap approach. Moderation effects were tested by including appropriate interaction terms in models. RESULTS No significant mediation effects were observed. Child distress with prior hospitalizations moderated AME effects for IES-R intrusion subscale scores at T2 (P = .01) and avoidance subscale scores at T3 (P = .007). Traumatic stress screener scores (PCL-6) moderated intervention effects for IES-R hyperarousal subscale scores at T2 (P = .01). There were no moderation effects for child age. CONCLUSIONS AME is a promising intervention for mitigating traumatic stress symptoms and supporting well-being in parents of children with cancer, particularly for parents who screen high for traumatic stress and whose children are more highly distressed with hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Amanda K. Henley
- Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, IUPUI, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | - David Delgado
- Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc, Northbrook, IL, USA
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32
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Barnhart M, Berkman C, Mapp SC. When lightning strikes twice: Perceptions of oncology social workers about working with families with two members in treatment. Psychooncology 2022; 31:2086-2093. [PMID: 36146930 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Families with a parent and child concurrently receiving cancer treatment are not common, but their needs are typically more complex than families with only one member in treatment. They have a heightened sense of loss, vulnerability, and mortality. The study purpose was to: (1) describe quality of life, social support, resiliency, and loss for these families; and (2) describe how healthcare teams can support these families. METHODS This was a qualitative study with 20 oncology social workers who had worked with families with a parent and child concurrently receiving treatment for cancer within the past five years. The interview included questions about the emotional, social, financial, and other needs of these families, as well as their social support, quality of life, loss, and resiliency. RESULTS Three themes emerged from the data: 1. Increased demands on the family with a concurrent cancer treatment, including emotional, financial, and logistical challenges for the ill parent and child and for the healthy parent and siblings; 2. Greater resilience and coping skills were experienced by some families; and 3. Implications for the healthcare team, including emotional distress in treating these families, challenges in treatment adherence, and providing the necessary support to these families. CONCLUSION Supporting these families is challenging for social workers and other members of the healthcare team. Understanding the emotional, financial and logistical needs of these families, and coordinating their care across the adult and pediatric teams, will better support the patients, as well as the healthcare providers who work with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Barnhart
- Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cathy Berkman
- Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susan C Mapp
- Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, USA
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33
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LaFond CM, Yost A, Lankin K, Kilaru M, Cohn SL. The Experience of Children With Neuroblastoma and Their Parents During Single-Room Isolation for 131I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine Therapy: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2022; 39:304-316. [PMID: 36129889 DOI: 10.1177/27527530211068749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Administration of 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) for neuroblastoma requires hospitalization in single-room isolation and limits caregiver physical contact due to the child's radioactive burden. Though used for decades, there is a dearth of research on the experiences of children and their parents while isolated. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study evaluated the experience of children with neuroblastoma undergoing single-room isolation for 131I-MIBG therapy and their parents. Ten nurses, nine parents, and five children were interviewed; transcripts were analyzed applying a conventional content analysis approach. Results: Child themes included overall experiences ranging from positive to negative; emotional stress was common; symptoms were common but mostly managed; the children were adequately prepared for isolation; and audiovisual technology and entertainment helped. The indwelling urinary catheter was a source of emotional stress and/or pain for several children. Parent themes included I thought it was going to be a lot worse; it gets better with time; feeling concerned and overwhelmed; prepared as much as you can be; and you feel like you're not alone. Discussion: Findings suggest that children and parents would benefit from additional coping support interventions to address emotional distress. Efforts should be made to identify other sources of technology or room designs that can maximize the child's sense of connection with parents and healthcare professionals. Additional research is needed to examine the impact of this isolation experience on the long-term psychological outcomes of children and parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M LaFond
- Professional Nursing Practice, 2468Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- Nursing Research, 21727University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alyssa Yost
- Section of Hematology/Oncology & Stem Cell Transplantation, 14404University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, 14404University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kelly Lankin
- Clinical Professional Practice, 14404University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Megha Kilaru
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science & Innovation, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Susan L Cohn
- Department of Pediatrics, 14404University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Brief report: the effect of two short psychological interventions on psychiatric morbidity in parents of pediatric hematology oncology patients, a feasibility study. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03510-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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35
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Association of Illness Severity With Family Outcomes Following Pediatric Septic Shock. Crit Care Explor 2022; 4:e0716. [PMID: 35733611 PMCID: PMC9203075 DOI: 10.1097/cce.0000000000000716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
It is unknown which families are at risk for poor outcomes following a child’s critical illness.
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Bakula DM, Junger KW, Guilfoyle SM, Mara CA, Modi AC. Key Predictors of the Need for a Family-Focused Pediatric Epilepsy Adherence Intervention. Epilepsia 2022; 63:2120-2129. [PMID: 35596620 PMCID: PMC9546343 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nonadherence to anti-seizure drugs (ASMs) is a significant problem in pediatric epilepsy and is linked to increased morbidity, mortality, clinically unnecessary medication changes, and increased healthcare costs. Family interventions can improve adherence. However, it is challenging to know which families will struggle with nonadherence and require intervention. This study aims to identify specific parent, family, child, and medical factors that predict which families most need family-based adherence interventions. METHODS Families enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of a family-based adherence intervention completed measures assessing parent, family, child, and medical factors. Families also used an electronic adherence monitor. Adherence >95% was considered high adherence (not requiring intervention) and <95% was considered suboptimal adherence (requiring intervention). We conducted a stepwise logistic regression to assess demographic, medical, child, family, and parent predictors of membership to the suboptimal adherence group. RESULTS Of the 200 families of children with new-onset epilepsy who enrolled, 177 families completed the study. Of these families, 121 (68%) were in the high adherence group and 56 (32%) were in the suboptimal adherence group. Families with lower SES, children of color, lower general family functioning, and more parent distress were more likely to be in the suboptimal adherence group. SIGNIFICANCE We identified that parent and family factors, as well as sociodemographic characteristics predicted membership in the suboptimal adherence group. It is critical to find creative and practical solutions to assessing and intervening upon key adherence predictors. These may include streamlined screening for parental distress and family functioning, as well as recognition that families of lower SES and communities of color may be at heightened risk for suboptimal adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Bakula
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City
| | - Katherine W Junger
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
| | - Shanna M Guilfoyle
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
| | - Constance A Mara
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
| | - Avani C Modi
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
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Yang Y, He X, Chen J, Tan X, Meng J, Cai R, Liang L, Shi L. Posttraumatic stress symptoms in Chinese children with ongoing cancer treatment and their parents: Are they elevated relative to healthy comparisons? Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13554. [PMID: 35129840 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this work is to compare posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) between families of children on cancer treatment and families of healthy children in China and to analyse the association among child PTSS, parent PTSS, and depression in the cancer group. METHODS Participants were children on cancer treatment (n = 91) and their parents (n = 91), and healthy children (n = 114) and their parents (n = 96). The children were asked to self-report PTSS, and the parents completed self-reported measures of PTSS and depression. RESULTS Although the prevalence of probable PTSD in children on cancer treatment was higher than that in comparisons (8.79% vs. 0.88%, P < 0.01), no statistic differences in PTSS levels were found between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, significant differences in PTSS levels and the prevalence of severe PTSS (21.98% vs. 1.04%) between parents of children with cancer and comparisons were observed (P < 0.001). Parent PTSS and depression were positively associated with child PTSS in the cancer group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The prevalence of probable PTSD in Chinese children with cancer was low, but PTSS was remarkably prevalent in their parents. Greater parent PTSS and depression were related to greater child PTSS. Results underline the importance to provide supportive psychological care for Chinese parents of children undergoing cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Yang
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng He
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlu Chen
- PICU, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyi Tan
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangnan Meng
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiqing Cai
- Department Pediatric Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lichan Liang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Shi
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Moscato E, Patronick J, Wade SL. Family functioning and adaptation following pediatric brain tumor: A systematic review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29470. [PMID: 34842339 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) experience psychosocial difficulties and poor quality of life (QOL). Family functioning may be adversely impacted by the stress of diagnosis and associated symptoms, which may, in turn, affect PBTS outcomes. The objective of this study was to complete a systematic review of family functioning and psychosocial outcomes in PBTS. METHODS We conducted systematic searches of PubMed and PsychInfo. Full-text articles (n = 324) were screened and 14 were included. A risk-of-bias assessment was conducted to evaluate the quality of study conclusions. RESULTS Studies examined associations of family functioning with adaptive, social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes, and QOL. More adaptive family functioning (cohesiveness, effective communication, lower conflict) was associated with better PBTS outcomes. Studies were limited by heterogeneous/small samples and cross-sectional designs. CONCLUSIONS Results provide preliminary support for the relationship between family functioning and psychosocial outcomes. Common outcome measures and prospective research designs can further advance understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Moscato
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jamie Patronick
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shari L Wade
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Luo Y, Wang A, Zeng Y, Zhang J. A latent class analysis of resilience and its relationship with depressive symptoms in the parents of children with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:4379-4387. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-06860-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Desjardins L, Solomon A, Shama W, Mills D, Chung J, Hancock K, Barrera M. The impact of caregiver anxiety/depression symptoms and family functioning on child quality of life during pediatric cancer treatment: From diagnosis to 6 months. J Psychosoc Oncol 2022; 40:790-807. [PMID: 35016592 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2021.2015646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A pediatric cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL) of the child. Diagnosis and treatment impact caregiver anxiety/depression symptoms and family functioning, and these in turn may influence child QOL. However, there has been limited longitudinal examination of the impact of both caregiver anxiety/depression symptoms and family functioning on youth QOL at specific points during the early diagnosis and treatment period. Ninety-six caregivers of youth (diagnosed with leukemia/lymphoma or a solid tumor) reported on their own anxiety/depression symptoms, family functioning, demographic and medical factors, and on their child's generic and cancer-specific QOL shortly after diagnosis (T1) and 6 months later (T2). Caregiver anxiety/depression symptoms were associated with poorer cancer-specific and generic child QOL within and across time points. Family conflict was associated with youth cancer-related QOL at T1. Attendance to caregiver anxiety/depression symptoms and family functioning, beginning early in the cancer trajectory, is an important aspect of family-centered care. Routine psychosocial screening and triage may help identify and intervene to support both caregiver and child psychosocial well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Desjardins
- Charles-Bruneau Cancer Care Centre, Sainte-Justine University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aden Solomon
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wendy Shama
- Department of Social Work, Division of Hematology/Oncology, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Denise Mills
- Department of Nursing, Division of Hematology/Oncology, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Joanna Chung
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kelly Hancock
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Maru Barrera
- Department of Psychology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
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41
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Eira Nunes C, Mouton B, Van Petegem S. La surprotection parentale dans le contexte du cancer pédiatrique : état de la question. PSYCHO-ONCOLOGIE 2022. [DOI: 10.3166/pson-2022-0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Cet article, bien que non exhaustif, présente un état actuel des connaissances empiriques et théoriques sur la surprotection parentale dans des familles où l’enfant est atteint d’un cancer. Nous abordons les caractéristiques de cette surprotection ainsi que la question de sa fonction adaptative et ses effets potentiellement délétères sur l’enfant dans ce contexte spécifique. Cette revue identifie également certains facteurs familiaux et sociétaux qui peuvent promouvoir la surprotection chez les mères et les pères, soulignant l’importance du contexte familial et sociétal dans l’étude des pratiques parentales en oncologie pédiatrique.
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McCarthy MC, Marks IR, Mulraney M, Downie P, Matson A, De Luca CR. Parental adjustment following their child's completion of acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29302. [PMID: 34411413 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies haveexamined parent and family adaptation in the early period following the end of childhood cancer treatment. We examined parent adjustment at the end of their child's treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). METHODS Parents of childhood cancer survivors (CCS), who were 3 months post-ALL treatment, and parents of typically developing children completed measures of psychological and family functioning. Parents of CCS also completed distress and posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) questionnaires related to their child's cancer experience. RESULTS One hundred twenty-nine parents were recruited: 77 parents of CCS and 52 comparison parents. Overall mean psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and family functioning were within normal limits for both groups. Parents of CCS endorsed higher scores for stress, depression, and family problems; however, mean scores for emotional distress were low for both groups, in particular the comparison group. Parents of CCS endorsed low rates of PTSS. Fifty-one percent of parents of CCS scored above the distress thermometer (DT-P) clinical cutoff (>4), with items elevated across all six DT-P domains. However, most parents did not indicate a wish to speak to a health professional about their symptoms. CONCLUSION Specialist psychosocial intervention may be indicated for only a subset of parents at the end of treatment. As per psychosocial standards of care, effective screening at this timepoint is warranted. Further examination of appropriate timing of psychosocial information and support services that are tailored to parents' circumstances is needed. eHealth approaches may be appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C McCarthy
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - India R Marks
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa Mulraney
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Downie
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Children's Cancer Centre, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alice Matson
- School of Psychological Science, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cinzia R De Luca
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Gise J, Cohen LL. Social Support in Parents of Children With Cancer: A Systematic Review. J Pediatr Psychol 2021; 47:292-305. [PMID: 34643692 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsab100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Parents of children with cancer (PCCs) experience stress as they navigate managing their child's illness. Arguably, social support is critical to PCCs' well-being. This review examines the literature on social support in PCCs. METHODS Studies of social support in PCCs were collected from PsycINFO, CINHAL, and MEDLINE. Data were extracted from 37 studies published between January 2010 and May 2021 related to the conceptualization, measurement, and availability of social support in PCCs. Relationships between PCCs' social support, well-being, and unique parent and child factors were also synthesized. Risks of biases were assessed using domains of the Effective Public Health Practice Project. RESULTS Social support in PCCs is conceptualized as (a) perceived availability and satisfaction with social support and (b) social support seeking as a coping strategy. Parents of children with cancer report receiving as much or more support than typical adults, but PCCs engage in less social support seeking. Family and significant others are the most prevalent sources of support, and emotional support is the most received type of social support. Social support is positively related to well-being and negatively related to distress, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. Findings related to social support differences based on parent and child unique factors were minimal and present opportunities for future research. The risk of bias was generally low, with caution that most studies cannot demonstrate directionality of findings due to cross-sectional study designs. CONCLUSIONS Given the consistent positive association between social support and well-being in PCCs, clinicians should assess and encourage social support for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jensi Gise
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, USA
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44
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Religious–spiritual experiences of family members and caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:711-719. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521001590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
This integrative literature review aimed to identify the religious and spiritual experiences of family members and caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer. Through systematized searches in the databases/libraries CINAHL, PsycINFO, Pubmed, SciELO, and Lilacs, 69 articles produced between 2010 and 2020 were retrieved. There was a predominance of studies with parents developed in hospital facilities. The caregivers’ religious and spiritual experiences helped them to cope with childhood cancer, especially in maintaining hope, reducing stress and anxiety symptoms, as well as in providing psychological and social support. Negative outcomes such as questioning faith, the feeling of punishment, and disruption with the religious and spiritual group were also perceived. It is recommended to include religiosity and spirituality for the provision of more humanized and comprehensive care, as well as further investigation of the negative experiences regarding religiosity and spirituality in this public.
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45
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Rost M, Mihailov E. In the name of the family? Against parents' refusal to disclose prognostic information to children. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2021; 24:421-432. [PMID: 33847853 PMCID: PMC8349339 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-021-10017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Parents frequently attempt to shield their children from distressing prognostic information. Pediatric oncology providers sometimes follow parental request for non-disclosure of prognostic information to children, invoking what we call the stability of the family argument. They believe that if they inform the child about terminal prognosis despite parental wishes, cohesion and family structure will be severely hampered. In this paper, we argue against parental request for non-disclosure. Firstly, we present the stability of the family argument in more detail. We, then, set out the (conceptual, legal, systemic) entitativity of the family and the kind of value the stability of the family argument assumes, before we set on to critically evaluate the argument. Our analysis shows that disclosure of prognostic information to children does not necessarily destabilize the family to a greater extent than non-disclosure. In fact, a systemic perspective suggests that mediated disclosure is more likely to result in a (long-term) stability of the family than non-disclosure. It is in the interest of the family to resist the initial aversive reaction to delivering bad news. In the final part, we draw a set of recommendations on how to facilitate decision-making in face of parental request for non-disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rost
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistr. 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Emilian Mihailov
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistr. 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Centre in Applied Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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46
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Quast LF, Williamson Lewis R, Lee JL, Blount RL, Gilleland Marchak J. Psychosocial Functioning Among Caregivers of Childhood Cancer Survivors Following Treatment Completion. J Pediatr Psychol 2021; 46:1238-1248. [PMID: 34363683 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsab061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To inform efforts to better support caregivers of children with cancer during the transition from treatment to survivorship, this study sought to characterize caregiver mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and anxiety, and examine the influence of family psychosocial risk and caregiver problem-solving on these outcomes. METHOD Participants included 124 caregivers (child age M = 10.05 years; SD = 4.78), 12-19 months from the conclusion of cancer-directed treatment. Participants' self-reported mental HRQOL, anxiety, and problem-solving were compared with community norms using t-tests. Correlations and hierarchical multiple regressions examined the influence of psychosocial risk and problem-solving on caregiver mental HRQOL and anxiety. RESULTS Overall, caregivers reported HRQOL and anxiety within normal limits. Caregivers also reported more adaptive patterns of problem-solving than community norms. Subsets of caregivers reported clinical levels of psychosocial risk (11%) and at-risk levels of mental HRQOL (2.5%) and anxiety (5.7%). Females reported greater anxiety than males. Psychosocial risk and negative problem orientation (NPO) were both related to poorer mental HRQOL and greater anxiety (r = .40-.51, p's < .001). Positive problem orientation related to better mental HRQOL and lower anxiety (r = .18-.21, p's < .05). Impulsivity/carelessness and avoidance were associated with greater anxiety (r = .19-.25, p's < .05). Only NPO accounted for additional variance in mental HRQOL and anxiety, over and above psychosocial risk and demographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS The majority of caregivers appear to be resilient and experience limited distress during the off therapy period. Targeting negative cognitive appraisals (NPO) through cognitive-behavioral therapy or problem-solving skills training may further improve caregiver psychosocial functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jennifer L Lee
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.,Emory University School of Medicine.,Evidation Health, Inc
| | | | - Jordan Gilleland Marchak
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.,Emory University School of Medicine
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47
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Sisk BA, Erwin Neu A. Reflections on Communication and Care in Cancer. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2020-042283. [PMID: 34261808 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-042283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, and Bioethics Research Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri
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Atout M, Alrimawi I, Daibes MA, Abusalameh E. The lived experience of family members who care for children with cancer: An interpretative phenomenological approach. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2021; 52:101978. [PMID: 34090147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.101978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of family carers in the care of children with cancer. METHOD A phenomenological hermeneutic approach was conducted, informed by the philosophy of Martin Heidegger. Fourteen interviews were conducted with family members: mothers (n = 9), grandmothers and fathers (n = 5). Fourteen family carers were voluntarily enrolled from a public children's oncology department in Bethlehem in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the data. RESULTS Three major themes emerged from the data analysis. The first theme was the caring experience, which included three subthemes: changing priorities over time, information given about children's illness, and parents suffering due to treating irritable children. The second theme was the challenges to effective care, which illustrates the most significant challenges faced during caring, including the effects of family relations and emotional support. The final theme was around the support system; family carers found several resources to support them in their children's care, including other parents' experiences with similar diseases, the hospital environment, and their religious beliefs. CONCLUSIONS This study informs parents and healthcare providers about the daily lived experiences of family carers. Healthcare providers can fulfil a significant role in giving emotional support and relief to family carers. However, they will need continuous practise to equip them with the communication skills they require to deal with the family carers in these difficult situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Atout
- Nursing School, Philadelphia University, Office 509, Jarash Road, P.O. Box 19392, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Intima Alrimawi
- School of Nursing and Health Professions, Trinity Washington University, 125 Michigan Ave, NE, Washington, DC, 20017, USA.
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49
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Posttraumatic Growth and Spirituality in Mothers of Children with Pediatric Cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18062890. [PMID: 33808979 PMCID: PMC7999482 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A child’s cancer, as a life-threatening illness, is classified as a traumatic event both for the child him-/herself and for his/her relatives. Struggling with a traumatic experience can bring positive consequences for an individual, which is referred to as posttraumatic growth. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between posttraumatic growth and spirituality understood as a personal resource in mothers of children with pediatric cancer. In total, 55 mothers whose children were in the phase of treatment and who had been staying with them in the hospital filled in a Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Self-description Questionnaire of Spirituality, and the author’s short questionnaire on demographic variables and information on the child and his/her disease. A high level of posttraumatic development, especially in the area of life appreciation, was observed in the examined mothers. Spirituality was positively related to the emergence of positive change, in two particular components, ethical sensitivity and harmony. It seems that taking into account the area of spirituality when planning interventions and providing support in this group could foster coping with the situation and emergence of posttraumatic growth.
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50
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Bakula DM, Wetter SE, Peugh JL, Modi AC. A Longitudinal Assessment of Parenting Stress in Parents of Children with New-Onset Epilepsy. J Pediatr Psychol 2021; 46:91-99. [PMID: 33053164 PMCID: PMC7819715 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsaa091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parents of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy may experience elevated parenting stress. The present study examined trajectories of parenting stress over time and identified modifiable predictors of these trajectories. METHODS Parents of youth with epilepsy (N = 102; 2-12 years old) completed questionnaires 1, 4, 13, 19, and 25-months post-diagnosis, including measures of parenting stress, family functioning, child psychosocial functioning, sociodemographics, and perceived stigma. Latent growth curve models (LGCM) were used to examine domains of parenting stress over time. RESULTS At baseline, 25-48% of parents reported elevated parenting stress. LGCMs revealed that the parent and child domains of parenting stress were generally stable across time. However, life stress was more variable across time, and parents with higher initial life stress had a greater reduction in life stress over time. Socioeconomic status was identified as a non-modifiable predictor of life stress. Family functioning was associated with greater parenting stress in the parent domain. Child psychosocial functioning was associated with greater parenting stress in the parent and child domains. CONCLUSIONS Parenting stress was elevated for a subset of families and appeared to be relatively stable over time, with the exception of life stress, which was more variable. With early screening, child factors and parent appraisals of epilepsy may be valuable targets for clinical intervention with families of children with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Bakula
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
| | - Sara E Wetter
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
| | - James L Peugh
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
- University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine
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