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Salazar MM, Khera N, Chino F, Johnston E. Financial hardship for patients with cancer and caregivers at end of life in the USA: narrative review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 14:25-35. [PMID: 38123962 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004556] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients and their families face financial hardship during cancer treatment, which may intensify at end of life (EOL) due to increased symptoms and care needs. We undertook a narrative literature review to describe the current understanding of the causes, impacts and factors associated with financial hardship at EOL. We identify gaps in research, policy and clinical practice and propose steps to mitigate financial hardship for patients and caregivers at EOL. METHODS We conducted a Medline search to identify US studies since 2000 that examined EOL financial hardship for patients with cancer and their caregivers. RESULTS Twenty-seven adult and four paediatric studies met review criteria. Adults with cancer and their caregivers face significant financial hardship at EOL and in bereavement, especially due to employment changes and informal caregiving time costs. Financial hardship may be higher for younger caregivers and for patients who are uninsured, low income, rural, with high symptom burdens or with certain cancer types. The few paediatric studies showed high financial hardship and employment impact lasting well beyond a child's death. CONCLUSIONS There is limited literature examining financial hardship at EOL in the USA, especially in paediatrics. Priorities for future research include longitudinal studies in diverse populations of patients with cancer and informal caregivers using standardised financial hardship measures. Policies to address financial hardship at EOL, especially with hospice care, should include insurance coverage for family caregiving and medical leave policies. There is need for increased financial hardship screening at EOL and in bereavement and a need for financial navigation interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Martinez Salazar
- School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine-Scottsdale Campus, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Nandita Khera
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Fumiko Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Johnston
- Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Leraas H, Moya-Mendez M, Donohue V, Kawano B, Olson L, Sekar A, Robles J, Wagner L, Greenup R, Haines KL, Tracy E. Using Crowdfunding Campaigns to Examine Financial Toxicity and Logistical Burdens Facing Families of Children With Wilms Tumor. J Surg Res 2023; 291:640-645. [PMID: 37542779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.07.005] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment for pediatric solid tumors is often intense and multidisciplinary and can create a substantial financial burden for families. Assessing these burdens, termed the financial toxicity of treatment, can be difficult. Using Wilms tumor as an example, we evaluated crowdfunding campaigns in an attempt to better understand the impact of economic and logistic challenges associated with pediatric solid tumor care and identify features associated with successful fundraising with this method. METHODS We used a webscraping algorithm to identify crowdfunding campaigns on GoFundMe.com for pediatric patients with Wilms tumor in the United States. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis to describe the patients and families seeking crowdfunding support for cancer care. After fundraizing information was extracted using the webscraping algorithm, each fundraiser was verified and examined by two independent reviewers to assess demographic, qualitative, disease, and treatment variables. Successful fundraisers, defined as those meeting stated financial goals, were compared to unsuccessful campaigns to identify variables associated with successful crowdfunding campaigns. RESULTS We identified 603 children with Wilms tumor and an associated crowdfunding campaign. The median age was 4 y. The majority lived in two-parent households (68.5%). Patients mentioned siblings in 35.5% of fundraisers. While motivations for crowdfunding varied, hardships endured by families included loss of employment (52.2%), need for childcare for other children (9.8%), direct costs of care [co-payments, insurance, pharmaceuticals, out-of-pocket care costs, etc.] (80.9%), indirect costs associated with seeking care [transportation, parking, lodging, lost opportunity cost, etc.] (56.2%), and need for relocation to pursue complex cancer care (6.8%). Disease characteristics in this cohort were limited to self-reports by families. However, fundraisers mentioned disease characteristics, including tumor stage (47.6%), size (11.4%), positive nodal status (9.6%), metastatic disease (3.6%), pathology (11.8%), upstaging (4.6%), and disease recurrence (8.6%). No individually examined demographic, support, disease, or hardship-related factors varied significantly between successful and unsuccessful crowdfunding campaigns (all P > 0.05). However, successful campaigns requested less money ($11,783.25 successful versus $22,442.2 unsuccessful, <0.001), received more money ($16,409.5 successful vs 7427.4 unsuccessful, P < 0.001), and solicited larger donor numbers (170.3 successful versus 86.3 unsuccessful, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Families whose children undergo multimodal cancer care have significant expenses and burdens and can use crowdfunding to support their costs. Careful consideration of the financial and logistic strains associated with pediatric solid tumor treatment, including thorough analysis of crowdfunding sites, may support better understanding of nonclinical burdens, supporting therapeutic relationships and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold Leraas
- M.D., Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, North Carolina.
| | | | | | - Brad Kawano
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Lindsay Olson
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Akshaya Sekar
- Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Harnett County, North Carolina
| | - Joanna Robles
- Duke University Department of Pediatrics, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Lars Wagner
- Duke University Department of Pediatrics, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rachel Greenup
- M.D., Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, North Carolina; Yale University Department of Surgery, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Krista L Haines
- M.D., Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Elisabeth Tracy
- M.D., Duke University Department of Surgery, Durham, North Carolina
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Costa E, Mateus C, Carter B, Siner S, Jones D, Evans L, Preston J, Mehta F, Lambert C, Hollingsworth B, Carrol ED, Sefton G. The economic burden experienced by carers of children who had a critical deterioration at a tertiary children's hospital in the United Kingdom (the DETECT study): an online survey. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:436. [PMID: 37653501 PMCID: PMC10468882 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04268-8] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unplanned critical care admissions following in-hospital deterioration in children are expected to impose a significant burden for carers across a number of dimensions. One dimension relates to the financial and economic impact associated with the admission, from both direct out-of-pocket expenditures, as well as indirect costs, reflecting productivity losses. A robust assessment of these costs is key to understand the wider impact of interventions aiming to reduce in-patient deterioration. This work aims to determine the economic burden imposed on carers caring for hospitalised children that experience critical deterioration events. METHODS Descriptive study with quantitative approach. Carers responded to an online survey between July 2020 and April 2021. The survey was developed by the research team and piloted before use. The sample comprised 71 carers of children admitted to a critical care unit following in-patient deterioration, at a tertiary children's hospital in the UK. The survey provides a characterisation of the carer's household and estimates of direct non-medical costs grouped in five different expenditure categories. Productivity losses can also be estimated based on the reported information. RESULTS Most carers reported expenditures associated to the child's admission in the week preceding the survey completion. Two-thirds of working carers had missed at least one workday in the week prior to the survey completion. Moreover, eight in ten carers reported having had to travel from home to the hospital at least once a week. These expenditures, on average, amount to £164 per week, grouped in five categories (38% each to travelling costs and to food and drink costs, with accommodation, childcare, and parking representing 12%, 7% and 5%, respectively). Additionally, weekly productivity losses for working carers are estimated at £195. CONCLUSION Unplanned critical care admissions for children impose a substantial financial burden for carers. Moreover, productivity losses imply a subsequent cost to society. Even though subsidised hospital parking and on-site accommodation at the hospital contribute to minimising such expenditure, the overall impact for carers remains high. Interventions aiming at reducing emergency critical care admissions, or their length, can be crucial to further contribute to the reduction of this burden. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN61279068, date of registration 07/06/2019, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Costa
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Carcavelos, Portugal.
- Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
| | | | - Bernie Carter
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, UK
| | - Sarah Siner
- Clinical Research Division, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Dawn Jones
- Clinical Research Division, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Leah Evans
- Clinical Research Division, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jenny Preston
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Fulya Mehta
- Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Caroline Lambert
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Dept of Infectious Diseases, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Enitan D Carrol
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Dept of Infectious Diseases, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gerri Sefton
- Intensive Care Unit, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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4
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Evans EM, Lin J, Sanchez-Alvarez J, Agrawal AK, Winestone LE. Disparities in household material hardship, financial toxicity, and income loss in pediatric cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023:e30496. [PMID: 37394628 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on previous reports of disparities in financial burden following a cancer diagnosis, this study aims to characterize mechanisms of disparities experienced by caregivers of children with cancer, including the impact of work flexibility and social support. METHODS Cross-sectional survey (in English or Spanish) of caregivers of children with cancer that assessed household material hardship (HMH), financial toxicity, and income change. RESULTS Of 156 caregivers surveyed, 32% were Hispanic and 32% were low income. Hispanic caregivers were more likely to report HMH and financial toxicity compared to non-Hispanic White and Asian (HMH: 57% vs. 21% vs. 19%, p < .001; financial toxicity: 73% vs. 52% vs. 53%, p = .07). Low- and middle-income caregivers were more likely to experience HMH and financial toxicity compared to high-income caregivers (HMH: 68% low vs. 38% middle vs. 8.7% high, p < .001; financial toxicity: 81% vs. 68% vs. 44%, p < .001). All income categories demonstrated significant increases in HMH 1 year after diagnosis. Seventeen percent reported more than 40% income loss, more of whom were low income than high income (27% vs. 12%, p = .20). Work flexibility and social support were associated with income and financial toxicity. CONCLUSION HMH, financial toxicity, and income loss are prevalent after a child's cancer diagnosis, suggesting that screening should be incorporated into routine care. This financial burden disproportionately affects low-income and Hispanic caregivers. Further research is needed to elucidate the roles of work flexibility and social support, how safety net services are utilized by families, and how best to support families with HMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Evans
- Department of Pediatrics, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospitals, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jackie Lin
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jacklyn Sanchez-Alvarez
- Department of Pediatrics, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospitals, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anurag K Agrawal
- Department of Pediatrics, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospitals, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lena E Winestone
- Department of Pediatrics, San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospitals, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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5
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Dai Q, Liu R, Wang Y, Ye L, Peng L, Shi R, Guo S, He J, Yang H, Zhang G, Jiang Y. Longer Time Intervals From Symptom Onset to Diagnosis Affect the Overall Survival in Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2022; 44:285-292. [PMID: 34699460 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for effective cancer control and have been widely analyzed in childhood cancer. However, few studies have described the time to diagnosis and treatment in children with ALL. This study investigated delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation and their impact on survival. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 419 patients 0 to 14 years old at a tertiary hospital between 2011 and 2015. The optimal cutoff values for delays were determined by X-tile software. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models were used to evaluate the impact of delays on survival. RESULTS The median diagnosis, treatment, and total delays were 21 (interquartile range [IQR]: 11-35), 4 (IQR: 2-7), and 26 (IQR: 16-43) days, respectively. The results of multivariate analyses showed that diagnosis delay, risk stratification, and minimal residual disease level were independent predictors for treatment outcome in childhood ALL. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested that a longer time to diagnosis negatively affected the clinical outcome of childhood ALL. Reducing the time to diagnosis could help to improve survival in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingkai Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuefang Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Luyun Peng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Siqi Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiajing He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongmei Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Ouchveridze E, Banerjee R, Desai A, Aziz M, Lee-Smith W, Mian H, Berger K, McClune B, Sborov D, Qazilbash M, Kumar S, Mohyuddin GR. Financial toxicity in hematological malignancies: a systematic review. Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:74. [PMID: 35459862 PMCID: PMC9033803 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00671-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematologic malignancy outcomes have remarkably improved in the past decade with further advancement expected in future years. However, the detrimental effects of financial toxicity (FT) on patients with hematologic malignancies, because of both diagnoses and subsequent treatments, have not been studied comprehensively. We performed a systematic review of all studies reporting FT as a primary or secondary outcome among adult or pediatric patients with hematological malignancies. A total of 55 studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis. Across studies, 20-50% of patients reported some form of FT, including loss of work productivity, food and transportation costs, and depletion of savings. Younger age, lower-income level, unemployment, and rural residence were the most commonly identified risk factors for FT. Two studies looked at survival outcomes, with one reporting improvement in survival with a decrease in financial toxicity. However, significant heterogeneity in FT definitions was found between countries and payor systems. Only half of the studies (51%, n = 28) used validated survey instruments such as the COST assessment. The present systematic review identified that FT is common in patients with hematological malignancies and may be associated with poorer outcomes. However, studies of FT generally use non-standardized methods with cross-sectional analyses rather than longitudinal, prospective assessments. Further work is needed to standardize FT reporting and investigate measures to alleviate FT among patients with hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evguenia Ouchveridze
- Department of Hematological Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas, KS, USA
| | - Rahul Banerjee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aakash Desai
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Muhammad Aziz
- Mulford Health Science Library, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Wade Lee-Smith
- Mulford Health Science Library, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Hira Mian
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine Berger
- Patient Advocate, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Brian McClune
- Division of Hematology and Hematological Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Douglas Sborov
- Division of Hematology and Hematological Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Muzaffar Qazilbash
- Division of Transplant, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shaji Kumar
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ghulam Rehman Mohyuddin
- Division of Hematology and Hematological Malignancies, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Metsä-Simola NS, Remes HM, Hiltunen EM, Martikainen PT. Changes in parents' psychotropic medication use following child's cancer diagnosis: A fixed-effects register-study in Finland. Cancer Med 2022; 11:3145-3155. [PMID: 35345057 PMCID: PMC9385598 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptoms of depression and anxiety are elevated among parents of children with cancer. However, knowledge of parents' psychotropic medication use following child's cancer diagnosis is scarce. METHODS We use longitudinal Finnish register data on 3266 mothers and 2687 fathers whose child (aged 0-19) was diagnosed with cancer during 2000-2016. We record mothers' and fathers' psychotropic medication use (at least one annual purchase of anxiolytics, hypnotics, sedatives, or antidepressants) 5 years before and after the child's diagnosis and assess within-individual changes in medication use by time since diagnosis, cancer type, child's age, presence of siblings, and parent's living arrangements and education using linear probability models with the individual fixed-effects estimator. The fixed-effects models compare each parent's annual probability of psychotropic medication use after diagnosis to their annual probability of medication use during the 5-year period before the diagnosis. RESULTS Psychotropic medication use was more common among mothers than fathers already before the child's diagnosis, 11.2% versus 7.3%. Immediately after diagnosis, psychotropic medication use increased by 6.0 (95% CI 4.8-7.2) percentage points among mothers and by 3.2 (CI 2.1-4.2) percentage points among fathers. Among fathers, medication use returned to pre-diagnosis level by the second year, except among those whose child was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or lymphoblastic lymphoma. Among mothers of children with a central nervous system cancer, medication use remained persistently elevated during the 5-year follow-up. For mothers with other under-aged children or whose diagnosed child was younger than 10 years, the return to pre-diagnosis level was also slow. CONCLUSIONS Having a child with cancer clearly increases parents' psychotropic medication use. The increase is smaller and more short-lived among fathers, but among mothers its duration depends on both cancer type and family characteristics. Our results suggest that an increased care burden poses particular strain to the long-term mental well-being of mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanna M Remes
- Population Research Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elina M Hiltunen
- Population Research Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka T Martikainen
- Population Research Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Laboratory of Public Health, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
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8
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Kunst N, Stout NK, O’Brien G, Christensen KD, McMahon PM, Wu AC, Diller LR, Yeh JM. Population-Based Newborn Screening for Germline TP53 Variants: Clinical Benefits, Cost-Effectiveness, and Value of Further Research. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:722-731. [PMID: 35043946 PMCID: PMC9086756 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of children and infants with Li-Fraumeni syndrome prompts tumor surveillance and allows potential early cancer detection. We assessed the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of population-wide newborn screening for TP53 variants (TP53-NBS). METHODS We simulated the impact of TP53-NBS using data regarding TP53-associated pediatric cancers and pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) TP53 variants from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results; ClinVar and gnomAD; and clinical studies. We simulated an annual US birth cohort under usual care and TP53-NBS and estimated clinical benefits, life-years, and costs associated with usual care and TP53-NBS. RESULTS Under usual care, of 4 million newborns, 608 (uncertainty interval [UI] = 581-636) individuals would develop TP53-associated cancers before age 20 years. Under TP53-NBS, 894 individuals would have P/LP TP53 variants detected. These individuals would undergo routine surveillance after detection of P/LP TP53 variants decreasing the number of cancer-related deaths by 7.2% (UI = 4.0%-12.1%) overall via early malignancy detection. Compared with usual care, TP53-NBS had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $106 009 per life-year gained. Probabilistic analysis estimated a 40% probability that TP53-NBS would be cost-effective given a $100 000 per life-year gained willingness-to-pay threshold. Using this threshold, a value of information analysis found that additional research on the prevalence of TP53 variants among rhabdomyosarcoma cases would resolve most of the decision uncertainty, resulting in an expected benefit of 349 life-years gained (or $36.6 million). CONCLUSIONS We found that TP53-NBS could be cost-effective; however, our findings suggest that further research is needed to reduce the uncertainty in the potential health outcomes and costs associated with TP53-NBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kunst
- Correspondence to: Natalia Kunst, PhD, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, 401 Park Dr, Suite 401, Boston, MA 02215, USA (e-mail: )
| | - Natasha K Stout
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace O’Brien
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kurt D Christensen
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pamela M McMahon
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ann Chen Wu
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa R Diller
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Yeh
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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9
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Russell HV, Chi YY, Okcu MF, Bernhardt MB, Rodriguez-Galindo C, Gupta AA, Hawkins DS. Rising drug cost impacts on cost-effectiveness of 2 chemotherapy regimens for intermediate-risk rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group. Cancer 2022; 128:317-325. [PMID: 34623638 PMCID: PMC8738099 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Children's Oncology Group clinical trial for intermediate risk rhabdomyosarcoma randomized participants to a combination of vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide (VAC) alone or VAC alternating with vincristine plus irinotecan (VAC/VI). Clinical outcomes were similar, but toxicity profiles differed. This study estimates the cost differences between arms from the health care system's perspective. METHODS A decision-analytic model was used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of VAC versus VAC/VI. Protocol-required or recommended medications and laboratory studies were included. Costs were obtained from national databases or supporting literature and inflated to 2019 US dollars. Demographic and outcome data were obtained from the clinical trial and directed chart reviews. Life-years (LY) were estimated from life-expectancy tables and discounted by 3% annually. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses and alternative clinical scenarios identified factors driving costs. RESULTS Mean direct medical costs of VAC and VAC/VI were $164,757 and $102,303, respectively. VAC was associated with an additional 0.97 LY and an ICER of $64,386/LY compared with VAC/VI. The ICER was sensitive to survival estimations and to alternative clinical scenarios including outpatient cyclophosphamide delivery (ICER $49,037/LY) or substitution of alternative hematopoietic growth factor schedules (ICER $73,191-$91,579/LY). Applying drug prices from 2012 decreased the total costs of VAC by 20% and VAC/VI by 15% because of changes in dactinomycin and pegfilgrastim prices. CONCLUSIONS Neither arm was clearly more cost-effective. Pharmaceutical pricing and location of treatment drove costs and may inform future treatment decisions. Rising pharmaceutical costs added $30,000 per patient, a finding important for future drug-pricing policy decisions. LAY SUMMARY Two chemotherapy regimens recently tested side-by-side for rhabdomyosarcoma had similar tumor outcomes, but different side effects. The health care costs of each regimen were compared; neither was clearly more cost-effective. However, the costs of each treatment changed dramatically with choices of supportive medicines and location of treatment. Costs of treatment rose by 15% to 20% because of rising US drug costs not associated with the clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi V Russell
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Yueh-Yun Chi
- Department of Pediatrics and Preventative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - M Fatih Okcu
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - M Brooke Bernhardt
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | | | - Abha A Gupta
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas S Hawkins
- Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
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10
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Dehn-Hindenberg A, Saßmann H, Berndt V, Biester T, Heidtmann B, Jorch N, Kim-Dorner SJ, Konrad K, Lilienthal E, Nellen-Hellmuth N, Neu A, Ziegler R, Lange K. Long-term Occupational Consequences for Families of Children With Type 1 Diabetes: The Mothers Take the Burden. Diabetes Care 2021; 44:2656-2663. [PMID: 34697032 DOI: 10.2337/dc21-0740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the occupational and financial consequences for parents following the onset of type 1 diabetes in their child. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A questionnaire assessing occupational and financial situations before and in the first year after the onset of diabetes was distributed to all families with a child ≤14 years of age at diagnosis with a diabetes duration of at least 12 months in nine German pediatric diabetes centers. RESULTS Data of 1,144 children (mean age at diagnosis 6.7 [3.6] years; 46.5% female) and their families were obtained. Mothers' occupational status reflected in paid working hours was significantly reduced in the first year after their child's diabetes diagnosis (P < 0.001). Overall, 15.1% of mothers stopped working, and 11.5% reduced working hours. Mothers of preschool children were particularly affected. Fathers' working status hardly changed (P = 0.75). Nearly half of the families (46.4%) reported moderate to severe financial losses. Compared with an earlier similar study in 2003, significant negative occupational consequences for mothers and financial burden on families remained unchanged in 2018 (P = 0.59 and 0.31, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Mothers of young children with newly diagnosed diabetes experienced negative consequences in their occupational situation. This inequality for mothers can have long-term negative consequences for their mental health and future economic situation. There is an urgent need for action to reduce the burden on families and to provide professional, social, and regulatory support, especially for mothers of young children with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heike Saßmann
- Medical Psychology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Verena Berndt
- Social-Pediatric Centre Lichtenberg, Sana Hospital Group Berlin-Brandenburg, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torben Biester
- Diabetes Centre for Children and Adolescents, Children's Hospital Auf der Bult, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Norbert Jorch
- University Clinic for Pediatrics, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Katja Konrad
- Pediatrics, Elisabeth-Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eggert Lilienthal
- University Clinic, University Children's Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Neu
- Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ralph Ziegler
- Diabetes Clinic for Children and Adolescents Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Karin Lange
- Medical Psychology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Hartley J, Bluebond-Langner M, Candy B, Downie J, Henderson EM. The Physical Health of Caregivers of Children With Life-Limiting Conditions: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2020-014423. [PMID: 34155131 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-014423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Parental caregiving for a child with a life-limiting condition (LLC) is complex physical and mental work. The impact of this caregiving on parents' physical health is unknown. OBJECTIVES (1) To review existing evidence on the physical health of parents caring for a child with a LLC and (2) to determine how physical health of parents is measured. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched. STUDY SELECTION Peer-reviewed articles were included if they reported primary data on the physical health of a caregiver of a child with a LLC. Studies were excluded if they described only the caregiver's mental health or if the caregivers were bereaved at the time of data collection. DATA EXTRACTION Of 69 335 unique citations, 81 studies were included in the review. RESULTS Caregiver health was negatively impacted in 84% of studies. Pain and sleep disturbance were the most common problems. Ways of measuring the physical health of caregiver varied widely. We found an absence of in-depth explorations of the social and economic contexts, which could potentially mitigate the impact of caregiving. Furthermore, we find health interventions tailored to this group remain largely unexplored. LIMITATIONS Studies were heterogenous in methodology, making comparisons of results across studies difficult. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the need for improving access to interventions aimed at improving physical health in this population. The rate of health-seeking behaviors, preventive health care access and screening for health conditions is understudied and represent important directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Hartley
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.,Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Myra Bluebond-Langner
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.,Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University-Camden, Camden, New Jersey, New Jersey
| | - Bridget Candy
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Downie
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Hospital, National Health System Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.,Paediatric Supportive and Palliative Care Team, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen M Henderson
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health
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12
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Angiolillo AL, Schore RJ, Kairalla JA, Devidas M, Rabin KR, Zweidler-McKay P, Borowitz MJ, Wood B, Carroll AJ, Heerema NA, Relling MV, Hitzler J, Lane AR, Maloney KW, Wang C, Bassal M, Carroll WL, Winick NJ, Raetz EA, Loh ML, Hunger SP. Excellent Outcomes With Reduced Frequency of Vincristine and Dexamethasone Pulses in Standard-Risk B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Results From Children's Oncology Group AALL0932. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:1437-1447. [PMID: 33411585 DOI: 10.1200/jco.20.00494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE AALL0932 evaluated two randomized maintenance interventions to optimize disease-free survival (DFS) while reducing the burden of therapy in children with newly diagnosed NCI standard-risk (SR) B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). METHODS AALL0932 enrolled 9,229 patients with B-ALL; 2,364 average-risk (AR) patients were randomly assigned (2 × 2 factorial design) at the start of maintenance therapy to vincristine/dexamethasone pulses every 4 (VCR/DEX4) or every 12 (VCR/DEX12) weeks, and a starting dose of weekly oral methotrexate of 20 mg/m2 (MTX20) or 40 mg/m2 (MTX40). RESULTS Five-year event-free survival and overall survival (OS) from enrollment (with 95% CIs), for all eligible and evaluable SR B-ALL patients (n = 9,226), were 92.0% (91.1% and 92.8%) and 96.8% (96.2% and 97.3%), respectively. The 5-year DFS and OS from the start of maintenance for randomly assigned AR patients were 94.6% (93.3% and 95.9%) and 98.5% (97.7% and 99.2%), respectively. The 5-year DFS and OS for patients randomly assigned to receive VCR/DEX4 (n = 1,186) versus VCR/DEX12 (n = 1,178) were 94.1% (92.2% and 96.0%) and 98.3% (97.2% and 99.4%) v 95.1% (93.3% and 96.9%) and 98.6% (97.7% and 99.6%), respectively (P = .86 and .69). The 5-year DFS and OS for AR patients randomly assigned to receive MTX20 versus MTX40 were 95.1% (93.3% and 96.8%) and 98.8% (97.9% and 99.7%) v 94.2% (92.2% and 96.1%) and 98.1% (97.0% and 99.2%), respectively (P = .92 and .89). CONCLUSIONS The 0NCI-SR AR B-ALL who received VCR/DEX12 had outstanding outcomes despite receiving one third of the vincristine/dexamethasone pulses previously used as standard of care on Children's Oncology Group (COG) trials. The higher starting dose of MTX of 40 mg/m2/week did not improve outcomes when compared with 20 mg/m2/week. The decreased frequency of vincristine/dexamethasone pulses has been incorporated into frontline COG B-ALL trials to decrease the burden of therapy for patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L Angiolillo
- Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Reuven J Schore
- Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - John A Kairalla
- Department of Biostatistics, Colleges of Medicine and Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Meenakshi Devidas
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Karen R Rabin
- Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Michael J Borowitz
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD
| | - Brent Wood
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Nyla A Heerema
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | | | | | | | - Kelly W Maloney
- Children's Hospital Colorado and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - Cindy Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Colleges of Medicine and Public Health & Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Mylène Bassal
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON
| | - William L Carroll
- Department of Pediatrics and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Naomi J Winick
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Elizabeth A Raetz
- Department of Pediatrics and Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Mignon L Loh
- Department of Pediatrics, Benioff Children's Hospital, and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Stephen P Hunger
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for Childhood Cancer Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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13
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Lemieux-Sarrasin D, Pelland-Marcotte MC, Simonyan D, Martineau É, Desbiens B, Michon B. Distance to the pediatric oncology center does not affect survival in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from CYP-C. Leuk Lymphoma 2020; 62:960-966. [PMID: 33231123 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2020.1849673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Remoteness is associated with worse survival in adults with cancer. We aimed to determine whether remoteness is associated with cancer outcomes in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Canadian children with ALL entered in the CYP-C registry were included. The predictive impact of remoteness on overall survival (OS), relapse, and treatment-related complications (infections, thrombosis, bleeding, and osteonecrosis) was estimated using multivariate regression models. We included 1383 children, of whom 277 (20.0%) lived remotely (>200 km from the pediatric oncology center). The median latency to see a pediatric oncologist was longer in children living remotely. The 5-year OS (95% CI) was similar for both groups (remote: 95.2% [93.7-96.3%] vs close: 94.1% [90.5-95.2%]). No difference was found in the relapse rate between both groups and in treatment-related complications. Remoteness did not affect survival in pediatric ALL. Further research is needed to determine which models of healthcare organization optimize cancer outcomes and patients' satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Lemieux-Sarrasin
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Québec - Centre Mère-Enfant Soleil, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Québec - Centre Mère-Enfant Soleil, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Simonyan
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Émilie Martineau
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Québec - Centre Mère-Enfant Soleil, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Barbara Desbiens
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Québec - Centre Mère-Enfant Soleil, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruno Michon
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Québec - Centre Mère-Enfant Soleil, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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14
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Chae W, Kim J, Park S, Park EC, Jang SI. The Financial Burden Associated with Medical Costs among Childhood Cancer Patients and Their Families Related to Their Socioeconomic Status: The Perspective of National Health Insurance Service. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6020. [PMID: 32824940 PMCID: PMC7503756 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The number of cancer survivors is increasing as a consequence of improved therapeutic options. Many families are suffering from the resultant financial burden. Our study aims to determine the total medical cost for 5 years after the initial diagnosis of childhood cancers. A customized dataset from the Korean National Health Insurance Claims Database was requested for this study. A total of 7317 patients were selected to determine the total medical cost. The costs are presented as the 2% trimmed mean value to exclude extreme costs. The medical costs were further classified according to cancer type, treatment phase, and socioeconomic status. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. The average total medical cost per patient is 36.8 million Korean Wons or 32,157 United States Dollars. Analysis of socioeconomic status revealed that the higher income group demonstrated higher medical expenditure when compared to other groups. Analysis of the treatment phase showed that costs associated with the early phase of treatment are the highest, especially in the first 3 months after initial diagnosis. To alleviate the financial burden and reduce the socioeconomic disparities associated with medical care and costs, a better understanding of the current experience of patients and their families is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonjeong Chae
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Juyeong Kim
- Department of Health & Human Performance, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Korea;
| | - Sohee Park
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Eun-Cheol Park
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Sung-In Jang
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea;
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
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15
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Kelada L, Wakefield CE, Vetsch J, Schofield D, Sansom-Daly UM, Hetherington K, O'Brien T, Cohn RJ, Anazodo A, Viney R, Zeppel MJB. Financial toxicity of childhood cancer and changes to parents' employment after treatment completion. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28345. [PMID: 32333636 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood cancer can have short- and long-term impacts on parents' finances and employment. It is important to understand how families adjust to the financial and employment changes caused by childhood cancer, the ongoing impacts after treatment completion, and which families need more targeted support. Qualitative research is necessary to facilitate an in-depth understanding of the employment and financial impacts on families and to capture parents' complex and nuanced experiences and perspectives. METHODS We interviewed 56 parents of childhood cancer survivors (M = 2.13 years after treatment completion; 89% mothers) using the vocational and financial impact section of the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale-Carer Interview Form. We analyzed interviews using content analysis. RESULTS Parents reported multiple sources of financial toxicity including travel to and from the hospital and needing to reduce their working hours during their child's cancer treatment. Workplace flexibility was an important factor to protect against unwanted vocational changes. After treatment completion, families living in low socioeconomic areas commonly reported ongoing financial difficulties. Mothers, particularly those who were on maternity leave when their child was diagnosed with cancer, reported ongoing employment impacts including unemployment. CONCLUSIONS Clinical staff including social workers could more consistently assess families' financial distress and refer to professional services who can offer guidance for financial decision-making as standard care. Flexible workplace agreements appear important for parents of children with cancer. Our findings can assist organizations to understand that cancer-related disruptions are likely to continue after treatment completion, and therefore should offer benefits to parents where possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Kelada
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janine Vetsch
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,Institute for Applied Nursing Sciences IPW-FHS, University of Applied Sciences FHS St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Schofield
- Centre for Economic Impacts of Genomic Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ursula M Sansom-Daly
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate Hetherington
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracey O'Brien
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard J Cohn
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antoinette Anazodo
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia.,Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, High Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rosalie Viney
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melanie J B Zeppel
- Centre for Economic Impacts of Genomic Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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16
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Ren Y, Li X. Direct and indirect costs of families with a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in an academic hospital in China: a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030511. [PMID: 31324687 PMCID: PMC6661580 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the direct and indirect costs in families with a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in China. DESIGN A single-site, cross-sectional survey of primary caregiver of a child with ALL was performed. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We analysed the total costs incurred on the completion of the first three-phase treatment (induction, consolidation and intensification), which requires intensive hospitalisation. Eligible patients were (1) diagnosed with ALL between 2010 and 2012 at Shanghai Children's Medical Center (SCMC), (2) aged 0-14 years at diagnosis and (3) completed the first three-phase treatment at SCMC. The data were collected between October 2014 and December 2014. OUTCOME MEASURES We decomposed the total costs into three categories: (1) direct medical costs, which were further divided into outpatient and inpatient costs; (2) direct non-medical costs, which referred to expenses incurred in relation to the illness; and (3) indirect costs due to productivity loss. RESULTS A total of 161 patients were included in the study. Direct medical costs accounted for about 51.7% of the overall costs, and the rest of 48.3% of the total costs were attributed to direct non-medical costs and indirect costs. Regarding families with different household registration type (rural vs urban), the total costs were significantly different between the two groups (US$36 125 vs US$25 593; p=0.021). Specifically, urban families incurred significantly larger indirect costs than rural families (US$12 343 vs US$4157; p=0.018). Although the direct non-medical costs were not significantly different, urban families spent more money on hygiene cleaning products and auxiliary treatment equipment (p=0.041) and gifts and treats (p=0.034) than rural families. CONCLUSIONS The financial burden faced by the Chinese families with a child with ALL was tremendous, and the distributions of costs among the three categories were different between urban and rural families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijiong Ren
- Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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17
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The societal value of unpaid caregiving is estimated to exceed $470 billion annually. In spite of the high value care they provide, caregivers experience significant financial burden. This paper examines the sources and impact of financial burden on cancer caregivers. DATA SOURCES Survey of the published peer-reviewed literature complemented by Web-based sources. CONCLUSION Caregivers for cancer patients may experience financial burden disproportionately relative to other caregivers because of the intensity of care they provide and the cost and complexity of cancer treatment. Financial burden stems from employment loss and cost of care and can continue long after the death of the patient. Few federal policy protections are available for caregivers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Oncology nurses can play an important role in recognizing the needs of caregivers and act as navigators to connect caregivers to available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy J Bradley
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, and Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO.
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18
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Roser K, Erdmann F, Michel G, Winther JF, Mader L. The impact of childhood cancer on parents' socio‐economic situation—A systematic review. Psychooncology 2019; 28:1207-1226. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.5088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Roser
- Department of Health Sciences and Health PolicyUniversity of Lucerne Lucerne Switzerland
| | - Friederike Erdmann
- Childhood Cancer Research GroupDanish Cancer Society Research Center Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Gisela Michel
- Department of Health Sciences and Health PolicyUniversity of Lucerne Lucerne Switzerland
| | - Jeanette Falck Winther
- Childhood Cancer Research GroupDanish Cancer Society Research Center Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of HealthAarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Luzius Mader
- Childhood Cancer Research GroupDanish Cancer Society Research Center Copenhagen Denmark
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19
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Erdmann F, Feychting M, Mogensen H, Schmiegelow K, Zeeb H. Social Inequalities Along the Childhood Cancer Continuum: An Overview of Evidence and a Conceptual Framework to Identify Underlying Mechanisms and Pathways. Front Public Health 2019; 7:84. [PMID: 31106186 PMCID: PMC6492628 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inequalities in health according to social conditions are regarded as unnecessary and unjust. There is a large body of evidence on inequalities in adult cancer, observable throughout the societies on a national level as well as on a global scale. Socioeconomic influences on health matter at all ages including childhood, for which childhood cancer is the leading cause of disease related death in high-income countries (HICs). Substantial differences in the reported incidence of childhood cancers have been observed globally by socioeconomic development of a population. This is reflected in the higher incidence rates reported for HICs, particularly for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and for cancer in infants (below 1 year), compared to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Considerable inequalities between populations and degree of socioeconomic development are also noted for survival from childhood cancer, with substantially lower survival rates seen in most LMICs compared to HICs. With respect to inequalities by socioeconomic position (SEP) within countries, findings of an association between SEP and childhood cancer risk are diverse and limited to studies from HICs. On the contrary, observations on social inequalities in survival within countries are accumulating and indicate that survival inequalities do not only concern resource-poor countries but also high-income populations including European countries. In turn, a childhood cancer diagnosis in itself may have implications on the parents' socioeconomic situation as well as on the later socioeconomic life after having survived the disease. The underlying mechanisms and causal pathways of these empirically demonstrated social inequalities are poorly understood, although it is of significant public health relevance for any actions or strategies to reduce childhood cancer-related inequity. We propose a conceptual framework on potential underlying mechanism and pathways specifically addressing social inequalities in childhood cancer and after childhood cancer to (i) illustrate potential pathways by which social determinants may create health inequities at different points of the childhood cancer continuum; (ii) illustrate potential pathways by which a childhood cancer diagnosis may impact the socioeconomic situation of the concerned family or the later life of a childhood survivor; and (iii) point out how major determinants may relate to each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Erdmann
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz - Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS GmbH, Bremen, Germany
- Childhood Cancer Research Group, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Feychting
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Mogensen
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kjeld Schmiegelow
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz - Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS GmbH, Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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20
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Habibpour Z, Mahmoudi H, Nir MS, Areshtanab HN. Resilience and its Predictors among the Parents of Children with Cancer: A Descriptive-Correlational Study. Indian J Palliat Care 2019; 25:79-83. [PMID: 30820107 PMCID: PMC6388604 DOI: 10.4103/ijpc.ijpc_128_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: As a common debilitating illness, cancer is among the leading causes of child mortality in developed and developing countries. Cancer diagnosis for children is considerably stressful for their parents. Resilience is a key factor behind effective coping with cancer-related problems. This study evaluated resilience and its predictors among the parents of children with cancer. Aim: This study evaluated resilience and its predictors among the parents of children with cancer. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2017 on 400 parents of children with cancer in Tabriz Children's Hospital, Iran. Methods: A demographic questionnaire and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale were used to collect the data. Parents were conveniently recruited from Tabriz Children's Hospital. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using the SPSS for Windows program (v. 16) via descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The mean score of parents’ resilience was 66.83 ± 14.28. Fathers obtained significantly higher resilience scores than mothers (P < 0.001). The predictors of parents’ resilience were financial status, parents’ gender, fathers’ employment status, and children's gender. Conclusion: The parents of cancer-afflicted children, particularly their mothers, have low resilience and therefore may be at risk for different physical and mental health problems. Health-care providers need to identify at-risk parents and provide them with greater psychological and educational support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Habibpour
- Department of Medical-surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Hosein Mahmoudi
- Trauma Research Center and Faculty of Nursing, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.,Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Nursing, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Masoud Sirati Nir
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Hossein Namdar Areshtanab
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Hiyoshi A, Montgomery S, Bottai M, Hovén EI. Trajectories of income and social benefits for mothers and fathers of children with cancer: A national cohort study in Sweden. Cancer 2018; 124:1492-1500. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Hiyoshi
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences; Örebro University; Örebro Sweden
| | - Scott Montgomery
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences; Örebro University; Örebro Sweden
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine; Karolinska Institute; Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health; University College London; London United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Bottai
- Unit of Biostatistics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Emma I. Hovén
- Division of Childhood Cancer Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health; Karolinska Institute; Stockholm Sweden
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22
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Mader L, Roser K, Baenziger J, Tinner EM, Scheinemann K, Kuehni CE, Michel G. Household income and risk-of-poverty of parents of long-term childhood cancer survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64. [PMID: 28266129 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taking care of children diagnosed with cancer affects parents' professional life and may place the family at risk-of-poverty. We aimed to (i) compare the household income and risk-of-poverty of parents of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) to parents of the general population, and (ii) identify sociodemographic and cancer-related factors associated with risk-of-poverty. METHODS As part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we sent a questionnaire to parents of CCS aged 5-15 years, who survived ≥5 years after diagnosis. Information on parents of the general population came from the Swiss Household Panel (parents with ≥1 child aged 5-15 years). Risk-of-poverty was defined as having a monthly household income of <4,500 Swiss Francs (CHF) for single parents and <6,000 CHF for parent-couples. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with risk-of-poverty. RESULTS We included parents of 383 CCS and 769 control parent households. Parent-couples of CCS had a lower household income (Ptrend < 0.001) and were at higher risk-of-poverty (30.4% vs. 19.3%, P = 0.001) compared to control parent-couples. Household income and risk-of-poverty of single parents of CCS was similar to control single parents. Parents of CCS were at higher risk-of-poverty if they had only standard education (ORmother = 3.77 [where OR is odds ratio], confidence interval [CI]: 1.61-8.82; ORfather = 8.59, CI: 4.16-17.72) and were from the German language region (OR = 1.99, CI: 1.13-3.50). We found no cancer-related risk factors. CONCLUSION Parents of long-term CCS reported lower household income and higher risk-of-poverty than control parents. Support strategies may be developed to mitigate parents' risk-of-poverty in the long term, particularly among parents with lower education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzius Mader
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Roser
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Julia Baenziger
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Eva Maria Tinner
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Scheinemann
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, McMaster Children's Hospital & McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Gisela Michel
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.,Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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23
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Cernvall M, Carlbring P, Wikman A, Ljungman L, Ljungman G, von Essen L. Twelve-Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial of Internet-Based Guided Self-Help for Parents of Children on Cancer Treatment. J Med Internet Res 2017; 19:e273. [PMID: 28751300 PMCID: PMC5553001 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.6852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A substantial proportion of parents of children on cancer treatment report psychological distress such as symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSS), depression, and anxiety. During their child's treatment many parents also experience an economic burden. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of Internet-based guided self-help for parents of children on cancer treatment. METHODS This study was a parallel randomized controlled trial comparing a 10-week Internet-based guided self-help program, including weekly support from a therapist via encrypted email, with a wait-list control condition. The intervention was based on cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and focused on psychoeducation and skills to cope with difficult thoughts and feelings. Primary outcome was self-reported PTSS. Secondary outcomes were self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, health care consumption, and sick leave during the past month. Outcomes were assessed pre- and postintervention and at 12-month follow-up. Parents of children on cancer treatment were invited by health care personnel at pediatric oncology centers, and parents meeting the modified symptom criteria on the PCL-C were included in the study. Self-report assessments were provided on the Web. RESULTS A total of 58 parents of children on cancer treatment (median months since diagnosis=3) were included in the study (intervention n=31 and control n=27). A total of 18 participants completed the intervention, and 16 participants in each group participated in the 12-month follow-up. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed significant effects in favor of the intervention on the primary outcome PTSS, with large between-group effect sizes at postassessment (d=0.89; 95% CI 0.35-1.43) and at 12-month follow-up (d=0.78; 95% CI 0.25-1.32). Significant effects in favor of the intervention on the secondary outcomes depression and anxiety were also observed. However, there was no evidence for intervention efficacy on health care consumption or sick leave. CONCLUSIONS Using the Internet to provide psychological interventions shows promise as an effective mode of delivery for parents reporting an increased level of PTSS and who consider Internet-based interventions as a viable option. Future research should corroborate these findings and also develop and evaluate interventions and policies that may help ameliorate the economic burden that parents may face during their child's treatment for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Cernvall
- Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Wikman
- Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lisa Ljungman
- Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gustaf Ljungman
- Pediatric Oncology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Louise von Essen
- Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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24
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Gaudichon J, Toscani S, Cohen-Gogo S, Saulpic J, Surun A, Sakiroglu O, Doz F, Michon J, Orbach D. Care management for foreign children, adolescents, young adults with cancer, and their families. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2017; 64. [PMID: 27905679 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about care management for foreign patients in pediatric oncology in European centers. We aimed to describe care given to children, adolescents, and young adults who came to France for cancer treatment, and to determine whether their geographical origin had an influence on decision making. PROCEDURE We conducted a monocentric retrospective study on all foreign patients aged 0-25 years and hospitalized for at least one night in Institut Curie (Paris, France) from 2009 to 2013. We analyzed the potential advantages of receiving treatment in France as well as their social and familial consequences. RESULTS A total of 93 foreign patients' files were retrieved. Most of these patients came from Africa (70%). In accord with the specific expertise of the institution, retinoblastoma was the most frequent tumor type (39%). An antitumor treatment had already been administrated in the native country in 44% of patients. We considered that 66% of patients received a significant medical advantage from care in our institution. The treatment provided in France was considered impossible in the native country in 44% of cases. The social and familial impact on the patients' families was high (59%). Almost all patients (96%) received the treatment that would have been proposed to their French counterparts. CONCLUSIONS There were notable medical advantages for foreign patients who come to France for their oncologic treatment despite important familial consequences. Patients' geographical origin did not have an influence on medical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Gaudichon
- Institute of Genetics and Development of Rennes, University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France.,Pediatric Onco-Immuno-Hematology, University Hospital of Caen, Caen, France.,Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Sandra Toscani
- Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Cohen-Gogo
- Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Saulpic
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology Follow-Up Care Department, Edouard Rist Medical and Educational Clinic, Paris, France
| | - Aurore Surun
- Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Oya Sakiroglu
- Pediatric Onco-Hematology Department, Margency Children Hospital, Margency, France
| | - François Doz
- Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Jean Michon
- Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Orbach
- Pediatric, Adolescent, Young Adult Department, Institut Curie, Paris, France
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25
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Parents of Children With Cancer in Jordan. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2017; 31:8-12. [PMID: 28104064 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2016.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate levels of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of those parenting children with cancer and make a comparison between mothers and fathers. BACKGROUND Parenting a child with cancer is traumatic. Maternal and paternal roles and responsibilities change after the cancer diagnosis of their child, adding more stress to the lives of all concerned. The gender of the parent may have an effect on their PTSD. However, there is a lack of studies in Arabic countries on the differences between parents in their PTSD levels. METHODS A sample of 416 biological parents (comprising 207 mothers and 209 fathers) of children with cancer in Jordan completed a demographic checklist and the PTSD Checklist Civilian (PCLC). RESULTS There was a significant difference in PTSD levels between mothers and fathers, with mothers having significantly higher PTSD levels than fathers. The mean PTSD levels for mothers was (M=59.68, SD=4.86) compared to (M=52.76, SD=5.81) for fathers. The magnitude of the differences in the means was very large (eta squared=0.29). Additionally, results indicated that there was a significant negative correlation between parental PTSD levels with their age and the time since their child was diagnosed with cancer (r=-0.68, r=-0.62 respectively and p<0.001). An increase in parental PTSD levels was associated with a decrease in parental age and short time duration since the cancer diagnosis of the child. CONCLUSION The study concluded that parenting children with cancer is traumatic and mothers were at higher risk of PTSD than fathers. Risk of PTSD was found to decrease with time. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING EBP Investigating differences in PTSD between mothers and fathers in Jordan may be helpful when designing interventions to reduce the risk of PTSD. An individual parental support program is important, taking into consideration that mothers are at higher risk of PTSD, and both parents need thorough attention and care.
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26
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Lindahl Norberg A, Montgomery SM, Bottai M, Heyman M, Hovén EI. Short-term and long-term effects of childhood cancer on income from employment and employment status: A national cohort study in Sweden. Cancer 2016; 123:1238-1248. [PMID: 27870013 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is insufficient knowledge regarding the economic impact of childhood cancer on parents. The objectives of the current study were to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of childhood cancer on mothers' and fathers' income from employment and employment status. METHODS The study sample consisted of the parents of children diagnosed with cancer from 2004 to 2009 in Sweden (3626 parents of 1899 children). Annual register data concerning income from employment and employment status (employed/not employed) were retrieved from the Longitudinal Integration Database for Health Insurance and Labor Market Studies. Using generalized linear models, the mean income from employment and employment status were compared with a matched control cohort of 34,874 parents sampled from the general population. RESULTS Parents' income was found to decrease significantly after the child's cancer diagnosis. The effect was most pronounced for mothers, whose income was reduced for 6 years after diagnosis, whereas fathers' income was similar to that of control fathers 3 years after the diagnosis. Mothers were more likely to stop working after a child's cancer diagnosis compared with controls. No association was found for fathers' employment status. Younger age of parents; lower level of education; and, among mothers, being born outside of Sweden were found to be associated with more adverse effects on income. CONCLUSIONS Parents' income from employment and employment status appear to be adversely affected by having a child with cancer. Socioeconomic consequences are not distributed equally: the income of fathers appears to catch up after a few years, whereas mothers tend to be disadvantaged in their professional life for several years after a child's cancer diagnosis. Cancer 2017;123:1238-1248. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Lindahl Norberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Scott M Montgomery
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Bottai
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mats Heyman
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma I Hovén
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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27
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Wikman A, Hovén E, Cernvall M, Ljungman G, Ljungman L, von Essen L. Parents of children diagnosed with cancer: work situation and sick leave, a five-year post end-of-treatment or a child's death follow-up study. Acta Oncol 2016; 55:1152-1157. [PMID: 27159219 DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2016.1167956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer in a child is associated with a significant impact on parental employment. We assessed the proportions of parents of survivors and bereaved parents working and reporting sick leave five years after end of successful treatment (ST)/child's death (T7) compared with one year after end of ST/child's death (T6) and the association between partial post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and work situation and sick leave at T7. Participants and procedure: The sample included 152 parents of survivors (77 mothers, 75 fathers) and 42 bereaved parents (22 mothers, 20 fathers) of children diagnosed with cancer in Sweden. RESULTS The proportions of parents working or reporting sick leave did not differ among mothers and fathers of survivors (92% vs. 96% working, 20% vs. 18% on sick leave) or among bereaved mothers and fathers (91% vs. 90% working, 14% vs. 20% on sick leave) at T7. There was no change from T6 to T7 in the proportion of fathers working (fathers of survivors 91% vs. 96%, bereaved fathers 95% vs. 90%). Although more mothers of survivors (92% vs. 82%) and bereaved mothers (91% vs. 77%) worked at T7 than at T6, this increase was not significant. Fewer bereaved mothers reported sick leave at T7 than at T6 (14% vs. 59%, p < 0.05). Although more fathers reported sick leave at T7 than at T6 (fathers of survivors 18% vs. 8%, bereaved fathers 20% vs. 15%), this was not significant. Partial PTSD was not associated with parents' work situation or sick leave at T7. CONCLUSION Results suggest little adverse effect on work situation and sick leave among parents of survivors and bereaved parents five years after end of ST/child's death from cancer. However, the pattern of change observed differed between parents, which could potentially indicate possible delayed consequences for fathers not captured in the present paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wikman
- Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Hovén
- Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin Cernvall
- Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gustaf Ljungman
- Pediatric Oncology, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lisa Ljungman
- Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Louise von Essen
- Clinical Psychology in Healthcare, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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28
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Mader L, Rueegg CS, Vetsch J, Rischewski J, Ansari M, Kuehni CE, Michel G. Employment Situation of Parents of Long-Term Childhood Cancer Survivors. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151966. [PMID: 26990301 PMCID: PMC4798766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Taking care of children diagnosed with cancer affects parents' professional life. The impact in the long-term however, is not clear. We aimed to compare the employment situation of parents of long-term childhood cancer survivors with control parents of the general population, and to identify clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with parental employment. METHODS As part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we sent a questionnaire to parents of survivors aged 5-15 years, who survived ≥5 years after diagnosis. Information on control parents of the general population came from the Swiss Health Survey (restricted to men and women with ≥1 child aged 5-15 years). Employment was categorized as not employed, part-time, and full-time employed. We used generalized ordered logistic regression to determine associations with clinical and socio-demographic factors. Clinical data was available from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry. RESULTS We included 394 parent-couples of survivors and 3'341 control parents (1'731 mothers; 1'610 fathers). Mothers of survivors were more often not employed (29% versus 22%; ptrend = 0.007). However, no differences between mothers were found in multivariable analysis. Fathers of survivors were more often employed full-time (93% versus 87%; ptrend = 0.002), which remained significant in multivariable analysis. Among parents of survivors, mothers with tertiary education (OR = 2.40, CI:1.14-5.07) were more likely to be employed. Having a migration background (OR = 3.63, CI: 1.71-7.71) increased the likelihood of being full-time employed in mothers of survivors. Less likely to be employed were mothers of survivors diagnosed with lymphoma (OR = 0.31, CI:0.13-0.73) and >2 children (OR = 0.48, CI:0.30-0.75); and fathers of survivors who had had a relapse (OR = 0.13, CI:0.04-0.36). CONCLUSION Employment situation of parents of long-term survivors reflected the more traditional parenting roles. Specific support for parents with low education, additional children, and whose child had a more severe cancer disease could improve their long-term employment situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luzius Mader
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Corina S. Rueegg
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Janine Vetsch
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Rischewski
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Children’s Hospital, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Marc Ansari
- Unit of Oncology/Hematology, Department of Pediatric, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Claudia E. Kuehni
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gisela Michel
- Department of Health Sciences and Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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29
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Pelletier W, Bona K. Assessment of Financial Burden as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 62 Suppl 5:S619-31. [PMID: 26700920 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Family financial hardship has emerged as a burden of pediatric cancer treatment with negative implications for family well-being. As part of an extensive project to create evidence-based standards for the psychosocial care of children with cancer, we performed a literature review of pediatric cancer-associated financial hardship utilizing six databases, and identified 24 publications for incorporation into this review. Financial hardship during childhood cancer was found to affect a significant proportion of the population and to negatively impact family well-being. Existing literature supports a strong recommendation for assessment of financial hardship as a component of comprehensive psychosocial care in pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Pelletier
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Transplant Program, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kira Bona
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Outcomes and Population Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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30
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Wakefield CE, Butow PN, Aaronson NA, Hack TF, Hulbert-Williams NJ, Jacobsen PB. Patient-reported depression measures in cancer: a meta-review. Lancet Psychiatry 2015; 2:635-47. [PMID: 26303561 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(15)00168-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The patient-reported depression measures that perform best in oncology settings have not yet been identified. We did a meta-review to integrate the findings of reviews of more than 50 depression measures used in adults with, or recovering from, any type of cancer. We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and grey literature from 1999 to 2014 to identify 19 reviews representing 372 primary studies. 11 reviews were rated as being of high quality (defined as meeting at least 20 criteria in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement). The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) was the most thoroughly evaluated measure, but was limited by cutpoint variability. The HADS had moderate screening utility indices and was least recommended in advanced cancer or palliative care. The Beck Depression Inventory was more generalisable across cancer types and disease stages, with good indices for screening and case finding. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was the best-weighted measure in terms of responsiveness. This meta-review provides a comprehensive overview of the strengths and limitations of available depression measures. It can inform the choice of the best measure for specific settings and purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Wakefield
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia; Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
| | - Phyllis N Butow
- Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED) and the Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil A Aaronson
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas F Hack
- College of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Hulbert-Williams
- Chester Research Unit for the Psychology of Health, Department of Psychology, University of Chester, Chester, UK
| | - Paul B Jacobsen
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
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31
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Financial burden of therapy in families with a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: report from north India. Support Care Cancer 2015; 24:103-108. [PMID: 25940031 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-015-2757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a low-income country, a child with cancer has severe financial implications for the family. Invariably, patients have to self-finance their therapy. "Out-of-pocket" expenses tend to be high. Also, parents may face loss of job or business resulting in loss of income. Our objective was to assess the financial burden in families with a child with cancer. PROCEDURE The cost to a family with a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during the first month of therapy was analyzed. Fifty families were given a cost diary in which details of expenditure (direct medical costs, living costs, transport cost) and lost income/employment were recorded. RESULTS The families evaluated came from a distance of 260 ± 218 km from hospital. Most families belonged to upper lower category (62%). The medical expenditure amounted to US dollar (USD) 524 (interquartile range (IQR) 395-777). Nonmedical expenditure was USD 207 (IQR 142-293), the maximum expenditure being on food. The monthly expenses were 7.2 times the monthly per capita income of India which was Indian rupee (INR) 5729 (USD 97) in 2012-2013. Thirty-nine families got financial help (USD 800-3225) from various sources, within 6 months of application. Of the families, 72% families suffered loss of income, 34% fathers lost their jobs. CONCLUSIONS Families spend up to seven times their monthly income over a period of 1 month on an unforeseen illness. Despite financial aid from various sources, nonmedical costs amount to nearly 2.5 times the average per capita income. Universal health insurance is the need of the hour.
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Chukwu BF, Ezenwosu OU, Ikefuna AN, Emodi IJ. Diagnostic delay in pediatric cancer in Enugu, Nigeria: a prospective study. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2015; 32:164-71. [PMID: 25251071 DOI: 10.3109/08880018.2014.957368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Childhood cancer is a leading cause of childhood mortality in developed countries though ranks lower than infections in developing countries. Most patients with malignancies present late to hospital with consequent adverse outcome. Early diagnosis, therefore, is an important requirement in pediatric oncology as delayed diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis and huge economic cost. The study aims to identify factors associated with delay in the diagnosis of childhood cancer at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.Children aged 0-17 years with admitting diagnosis of cancer which was histologically confirmed were reviewed prospectively over a 3-year period. An interviewer structured questionnaire was administered to patients or parents/caregivers to obtain information on patients' biodata, their symptoms as well as visit to health professionals or alternative health care providers before presentation at this hospital.Ninety patients were confirmed to have cancer. Overall median lag time (LT) was 15.7 weeks. Major contributors to delay were parents and the type of cancer patients presented with. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) had the shortest median LT of 4.2 weeks while Hodgkin's disease had the longest median LT of 53.6 weeks (p = 0.01, Mann-Whitney test, 2-tailed). The median parent's delay was 12.3 weeks and health system delay was 3.6 weeks showing a significant difference in the two categories of delay (p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney test, 2-tailed). The median treatment delay was 5 days.Public awareness and health system reform is imperative in reducing the delay in diagnosis of childhood cancer in our environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B F Chukwu
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria , Nigeria
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Okada H, Maru M, Maeda R, Iwasaki F, Nagasawa M, Takahashi M. Impact of Childhood Cancer on Maternal Employment in Japan. Cancer Nurs 2015; 38:23-30. [DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000000123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Lau S, Lu X, Balsamo L, Devidas M, Winick N, Hunger SP, Carroll W, Stork L, Maloney K, Kadan-Lottick N. Family life events in the first year of acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy: a children's oncology group report. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:2277-84. [PMID: 25175168 PMCID: PMC4282930 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite higher cure rates, childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) may continue to result in considerable family strain. We sought to (i) measure incidence of divorce, reduced career opportunities, changes to work hours, home relocation, and changes to family planning at one year after ALL diagnosis; and (ii) Identify family and patient factors associated with these events. PROCEDURE We conducted a prospective cohort study of 159 children with average risk-ALL enrolled and treated on COG protocol AALL0331 at 31 selected sites. Eligibility criteria included age ≥2 years and English or Spanish comprehension. Parents completed surveys at three time points during the first 12 months of therapy. RESULTS Parents were at significantly increased risk of loss of employment (46% vs. 9.1%, P ≤ 0.001) than peers nationally. 13% divorced/separated, 27% relocated homes, 22% decided not to have more children, 51% declined occupational opportunities, and 68% decreased work hours. In adjusted analyses, relocation correlated with less maternal education (OR: 4.27 [95% CI: 1.43-12.82]). Declining parental opportunities associated with family income <$50,000 (OR: 4.25 [95% CI: 1.50-12.02]) and child <5 years old (OR: 4.21 [95% CI: 1.73-10.25]). Deciding not to have more children correlated with smaller family size 2-3 versus 4-5 (OR: 3.62 [95% CI: 1.10-11.96]). CONCLUSION Families experience a high incidence of major life changes in the first year of ALL treatment. Understanding these burdens helps health care providers to provide appropriate anticipatory guidance and support. No unifying factor was associated with the different family events. Ongoing follow-up is planned to measure long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaomin Lu
- University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Lyn Balsamo
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | | | - Stephen P. Hunger
- University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Connecticut
| | | | - Linda Stork
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kelly Maloney
- University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Connecticut
| | - Nina Kadan-Lottick
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut,Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut,Correspondence to: Nina Kadan-Lottick, Section of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Yale University School of Medicine 333 Cedar St LMP 2073 New Haven, CT 06510.
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Wakefield CE, McLoone JK, Evans NT, Ellis SJ, Cohn RJ. It's more than dollars and cents: the impact of childhood cancer on parents' occupational and financial health. J Psychosoc Oncol 2014; 32:602-21. [PMID: 24988134 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2014.936653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have evaluated the impact of childhood cancer on parents' occupational/financial status. This study explored parents' occupational/financial experiences posttreatment. Semistructured interviews were administered to 78 parents (44 mothers) of childhood cancer survivors diagnosed in the preceding 5 years. Transcripts were organized into themes using QSR NVivo8. Parents reported familial, psychological, and practical factors affecting their ability to return to work. Prioritizing family, reinstigating career progression, and negative workplace attitudes were particularly challenging. Parents of children with cancer experience substantial work-family conflict after their child's physical recovery from cancer. Family friendly policies and further research are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Wakefield
- a School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine , University of New South Wales , Kensington , NSW , Australia
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Pagano E, Baldi I, Mosso ML, di Montezemolo LC, Fagioli F, Pastore G, Merletti F. The economic burden of caregiving on families of children and adolescents with cancer: a population-based assessment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1088-93. [PMID: 24376017 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer represents a relevant economic burden on families. The preferred tool to investigate family expenditure is the retrospective questionnaire, which is subject to recall errors and selection bias. Therefore, in the present study the economic burden of caregiving on families of children and adolescents (0-19 years of age) with cancer was analysed using administrative data as an alternative to retrospective questionnaires. PROCEDURE Incident cases of cancer diagnosed in children and adolescents in 2000-2005 (N = 917) were identified from the Piedmont Childhood Cancer Registry and linked to available administrative databases to identify episodes of care during the 3 years after diagnosis (N = 13,433). The opportunity cost of informal caregiving was estimated as the value of the time spent by one of the parents, and was assumed to be equal to the number of days during which the child received inpatient care, day-care or outpatient radiotherapy. Factors affecting the level of economic burden of caregiving on families were analysed in a multivariable model. RESULTS The economic burden of caregiving increased when care was supplied at the Regional Referral Centre, or when treatment complexity was high. Families with younger children had a higher level of economic burden of caregiving. Leukaemia required a higher family commitment than any other cancer considered. CONCLUSIONS Estimates of the economic burden of caregiving on families of children and adolescents with cancer derived from administrative data should be considered a minimum burden. The estimated effect of the covariates is informative for healthcare decision-makers in planning support programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pagano
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, "Città della Salute e della Scienza" Hospital, Torino, Italy; Childhood Cancer Registry CPO-Piemonte, Torino, Italy
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Russell H, Swint JM, Lal L, Meza J, Walterhouse D, Hawkins DS, Okcu MF. Cost minimization analysis of two treatment regimens for low-risk rhabdomyosarcoma in children: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:970-6. [PMID: 24453105 PMCID: PMC4370185 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent Children's Oncology Group trials for low-risk rhabdomyosarcoma attempted to reduce therapy while maintaining excellent outcomes. D9602 delivered 45 weeks of outpatient vincristine and dactinomycin (VA) for patients in Subgroup A. ARST0331 reduced the duration of therapy to 22 weeks but added four doses of cyclophosphamide to VA for patients in Subset 1. Failure-free survival was similar. We undertook a cost minimization comparison to help guide future decision-making. PROCEDURE Addressing the costs of treatment from the healthcare perspective we modeled a simple decision-analytic model from aggregate clinical trial data. Medical care inputs and probabilities were estimated from trial reports and focused chart review. Costs of radiation, surgery and off-therapy surveillance were excluded. Unit costs were obtained from literature and national reimbursement and inpatient utilization databases and converted to 2012 US dollars. Model uncertainty was assessed with first-order sensitivity analysis. RESULTS Direct medical costs were $46,393 for D9602 and $43,261 for ARST0331 respectively, making ARST0331 the less costly strategy. Dactinomycin contributed the most to D9602 total costs but varied with age (42-69%). Chemotherapy administration costs accounted for the largest proportion of ARST0331 total costs (39-57%). ARST0331 incurred fewer costs than D9602 under most alternative distributive models and alternative clinical practice assumptions. CONCLUSIONS Cost analysis suggests that ARST0331 may incur fewer costs than D9602 from the healthcare system's perspective. Attention to the services driving the costs provides directions for future efficiency improvements. Future studies should prospectively consider the patient and family's perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Russell
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- University of Texas School of Public Health, Division of Management, Policy and Community Health, Houston, Texas
- Correspondence to: Heidi Russell, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, 6701 Fannin, CCC 1510.00, Houston, TX 77030.
| | - J. Michael Swint
- University of Texas School of Public Health, Division of Management, Policy and Community Health, Houston, Texas
- University of Texas School of Medicine, Center for Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lincy Lal
- University of Texas School of Public Health, Division of Management, Policy and Community Health, Houston, Texas
| | - Jane Meza
- University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - David Walterhouse
- Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Division of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Douglas S. Hawkins
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle, Washington
| | - M. Fatih Okcu
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Bona K, Dussel V, Orellana L, Kang T, Geyer R, Feudtner C, Wolfe J. Economic impact of advanced pediatric cancer on families. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 47:594-603. [PMID: 23870843 PMCID: PMC4174345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite emerging evidence of substantial financial distress in families of children with complex illness, little is known about economic hardship in families of children with advanced cancer. OBJECTIVES To describe perceived financial hardship, work disruptions, income losses, and associated economic impact in families of children with advanced cancer stratified by federal poverty level (FPL). METHODS Cross-sectional survey of 86 parents of children with progressive, recurrent, or nonresponsive cancer at three children's hospitals. Seventy-one families with complete income data (82%) are included in this analysis. RESULTS Parental work disruptions were prevalent across all income levels, with 67 (94%) families reporting some disruption. At least one parent quit a job because of the child's illness in 29 (42%) families. Nineteen (27%) families described their child's illness as a great economic hardship. Income losses because of work disruptions were substantial for all families; families at or below 200% FPL, however, were disproportionately affected. Six (50%) of the poorest families lost more than 40% of their annual income as compared with two (5%) of the wealthiest families (P = 0.006). As a result of income losses, nine (15%) previously nonpoor families fell from above to below 200% FPL. CONCLUSION The economic impact of pediatric advanced cancer on families is significant at all income levels, although poorer families suffer disproportionate losses. Development of ameliorative intervention strategies is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Bona
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Veronica Dussel
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana Orellana
- Institute of Calculus, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tammy Kang
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Russ Geyer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, DC, USA; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, DC, USA; University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Williams PD, Williams KA, Williams AR. Parental caregiving of children with cancer and family impact, economic burden: nursing perspectives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 37:39-60. [PMID: 24261317 DOI: 10.3109/01460862.2013.855843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric cancer diagnoses affect the entire family: parents, well siblings, the ill child, and others. The objective of this study was to review nursing studies on parental caregiving of children with cancer, family impact, and costs. The study used inclusion/exclusion criteria and family systems theory, self/dependent-care, and symptom management (monitoring, alleviation) concepts. Regarding "levels of evidence," 3 studies were Level II; 7 were Level IV; 7 were Level VI; 1 review was Level V and the second was Level I. Of 19 studies: 11 were qualitative; 4, quantitative; 2 were mixed methods. Content analysis themes were: Parental caregiving and family impact, economic burden. Conclusions were that (a) qualitative studies are predominant; findings supported quantitative findings; (b) quantitative nursing studies are less common: found one longitudinal, randomized controlled trial (RCT) focused on outcomes of an intervention for well siblings and parents, implemented by Clinical Nurse Specialists, CNSs; (c) few quantitative studies with large samples were found, especially ones with theoretical models of the family system and measures of illness impact on families; and (d) "mixed methods" longitudinal nursing research is illustrated. There is a need for "evidence-based" practice (EBP) nursing studies of interventions focused on parent education/support/assistance; respite care, and increasing family/well sibling knowledge/other information on the child's illness.
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Rosenberg-Yunger ZRS, Granek L, Sung L, Klaassen R, Dix D, Cairney J, Klassen AF. Single-parent caregivers of children with cancer: factors assisting with caregiving strains. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2013; 30:45-55. [PMID: 23372040 DOI: 10.1177/1043454212471727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caring for a child with a cancer can result in significant financial strain on families, which in turn can affect parental emotional, physical, and social health. We explored the supportive factors and resources that helped single parents of children with cancer throughout the caregiving process. METHODS Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, we recruited 29 single parents of children with cancer that were at least 6 months postdiagnosis and 2 hospital social workers across 4 Canadian pediatric oncology centers. RESULTS Many parents had knowledge of, accessed, and received support from family, friends, community (eg, teachers, religious organizations) and cancer organizations and government programs. Nonetheless, they reported a number of unmet needs. CONCLUSIONS Participants reported their need for more social-emotional, practical, and financial support to assist them with their caregiving duties. We recommend that hospitals provide education to describe (a) supports available to families and (b) parental caregiver needs to families' support networks. Further research is needed to identify limitations of the current public benefit schemes for caregivers.
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Parsons SK, Pennarola BW. The plurality of payers’ perspectives on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Hematology 2013; 17 Suppl 1:S202-7. [DOI: 10.1179/102453312x13336169157211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Parsons
- Health InstituteInstitute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Departments of Medicine and PediatricsTufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian W Pennarola
- Health InstituteInstitute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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Masa'Deh R, Collier J, Hall C, Alhalaiqa F. Predictors of stress of parents of a child with cancer: a Jordanian perspective. Glob J Health Sci 2013; 5:81-99. [PMID: 24171877 PMCID: PMC4776841 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v5n6p81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most paediatric oncology studies agree that being parents of a child with cancer is an emotionally stressful event. Although an increasing number of studies have investigated psychological stress of parents of a child with cancer, few of these studies have included both parents or investigated the predictors of high stress levels for the mothers and the fathers. Moreover, studies published over the last few decades were limited to Western countries and have shown inconsistent findings about parental perceived stress whose children have cancer. This study explored differences in predictors of perceived stress between Jordanian mothers and fathers of children with cancer. METHODS This study involved a survey of 300 couples parenting a child with cancer. Participants answered the Arabic version of the Perceived Stress Scale 10-items, demographic and characteristics check list questionnaires. The main aims were to measure perceived stress levels for mothers and fathers, explore the predictors associated with high perceived stress levels and make a comparison between them. FINDINGS Mothers reported significantly higher stress levels than fathers (p<0.001), with a large effect size (0.30). Some of the factors associated with mothers and fathers high stress levels affected both parents whereas employment status affected only fathers' stress levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate the need to work with the mothers and the fathers with a child with cancer in Jordan to recognise their psychological needs at the time of diagnosis and followed by on-going psychological support for both parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Masa'Deh
- Assistant Professor at the Applied Science Private University/School of Nursing.
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Hovén E, von Essen L, Norberg AL. A longitudinal assessment of work situation, sick leave, and household income of mothers and fathers of children with cancer in Sweden. Acta Oncol 2013; 52:1076-85. [PMID: 23343223 DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2012.760846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of childhood cancer often results in an altered life situation for the parents, characterized by difficulties regarding work, family and household demands. Previous research shows that parents' work situation and income are impacted, yet, few studies have explored the issue from a longitudinal perspective. This study sought to increase the knowledge about the socio-economic conditions of parents of children with cancer in Sweden by means of a longitudinal assessment of work situation, sick leave, and household income. MATERIAL AND METHODS The sample consisted of mothers (n = 139) and fathers (n = 138) of children with cancer recruited from 2002 to 2004. Data was collected by telephone interviews at six time points, ranging from the time of diagnosis to one year after the end of treatment. RESULTS Findings showed that parents' work situation was most evidently impacted during the child's treatment, when the greatest proportions of non-working and sick-listed parents were found. Compared with the time of diagnosis, fewer mothers worked up to three months after the end of treatment, and more mothers were on sick leave one year after the end of treatment. Although the extent of sick leave among fathers did not differ compared with the time of diagnosis, fewer fathers worked one year after the end of treatment. Household income was significantly reduced during the child's treatment and months thereafter, while income was at an equal level as before the diagnosis for most families one year after the end of treatment. CONCLUSION The results offer a unique understanding of how mothers' and fathers' work situation and income are impacted in the short- and long-term, and give guidance on how to improve the comprehensive support given to parents of children with cancer. Socio-economical issues should be emphasized as these may provide targets for policy interventions aiming to reduce parental strain related to work and finances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hovén
- Psychosocial Oncology and Supportive Care, Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Masa'Deh R, Collier J, Hall C. Parental stress when caring for a child with cancer in Jordan: a cross-sectional survey. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2012; 10:88. [PMID: 22838940 PMCID: PMC3416682 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-10-88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies report that being parents of a child with cancer is a stressful experience, but these have tended to focus on mothers and few have included both parents. Moreover, studies have focussed on families in Western countries and none have been published examining the psychological outcomes for parents living in an Arabic country.This research explores the stress levels of Jordanian parents caring for a child with cancer in order to identify the psychological needs of parents in this environment and to explore how mothers and fathers stress levels might differ. METHODS The study was carried out in Jordan using the Perceived Stress Scale 10-items (PSS10). The questionnaire was completed by 300 couples with a child who has cancer and a comparison group of 528 couples where the children do not have any serious illness. Multivariate backward regression analysis was carried out. RESULTS Analysis adjusting for spousal stress and sociodemographic predictors revealed that stress levels of mothers with a child who had cancer remained significantly higher than mothers whose children did not have any serious illness (p < 0.001). However, having a child with cancer did not show a significant association with the fathers' reported stress scores (p = 0.476) when spousal stress was in the model, but was highly significant once that was removed (p < 0.001).Parental stress was analysed for those with a child who has cancer and in models which included spouse's stress scores, sociodemographic and cancer-related predictors 64 % of the variance was explained for mothers (adjusted R2 = 0.64, p < 0.001) and fathers (adjusted R2 = 0.64, p < 0.001). Models excluding spousal stress scores explained just 26 % of the variance for fathers and 22 % for mothers. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study into the psychological outcomes for parents living in an Arabic country who care for a child with cancer. Both mothers and fathers with a child diagnosed with cancer reported higher stress levels than those from the normal Jordanian parent population. Mothers and fathers of children with cancer reported significantly different levels of stress to each other but models reveal significant contributions of the stress score of fathers upon mothers, and vice versa. The findings provide evidence of the need for psychological support to be developed for families caring for a child with cancer in Jordan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Masa'Deh
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Physiotherapy, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK
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Missen A, Hollingworth W, Eaton N, Crawley E. The financial and psychological impacts on mothers of children with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME). Child Care Health Dev 2012; 38:505-12. [PMID: 21880054 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2214.2011.01298.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME) is relatively common and children can be severely affected attending little or no school for extended periods. There are no studies quantifying the financial impact of having a child with CFS/ME and there is little information of the impact on parental mood. METHODS Forty mothers of children with CFS/ME from a regional specialist CFS/ME service completed inventories to assess their psychological well-being (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, General Health Questionnaire-12) loss of earnings and increased expenditure. In addition, eight mothers took part in a semi-structured qualitative interview. RESULTS Most parents of children with CFS/ME experience loss of monthly income (mean = £247) and increase in monthly expenditure (mean = £206). Twenty-eight (72%) mothers were above the cut-off for the General Health Questionnaire-12 compared with 20% in the healthy population (95% CI 55, 85, P < 0.001) suggesting they probably have a mental health problem. This may be explained by the qualitative interviews where mothers described five areas contributing to poor parental health: lack of understanding from others; marital tension; concern about their child's distress; concern about the impact on siblings and emotional distress causing physical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The majority of families of children with CFS/ME experience decreased income and increased expenditure with a marked impact on maternal psychological health. Clinicians need to be aware of this to provide appropriate support to families who care for children with CFS/ME.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Missen
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Abstract
Much research has been directed at childhood cancer survivors and their families to learn how to best provide care. However, little is known about parents’ experiences of transitioning to a time when their child has completed treatment for cancer when living at a distance to the tertiary cancer center. The purpose of this study was to talk to such parents about their experiences. Five Canadian parents of children who had completed treatment for cancer in the past 3 months to 5 years took part in qualitative opened-ended interviews using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach. Data analysis revealed the essence of the parents’ lived experience as a journey within a journey; 4 themes characterized the essence. Parents living a 2.5- to 5-hour drive from the cancer center expressed a willingness to travel wherever necessary in order to receive specialized care for their child. Parents emphasized the importance of having a local health care provider in whom they trusted. Assessing families’ needs, support systems, and readiness to return home are important nursing roles throughout the cancer trajectory.
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47
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Tsimicalis A, Stevens B, Ungar WJ, McKeever P, Greenberg M. The cost of childhood cancer from the family's perspective: a critical review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 56:707-17. [PMID: 21370401 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.22685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The costs incurred by the families of children with cancer remain under researched. The objectives were to systematically review the literature and identify research and clinical implications. Thirteen studies were critically appraised using the Pediatric Quality Appraisal Questionnaire (PQAQ) [Ungar and Santos. Value Health 2003; 6:584-594]. Existing research indicates that families incur significant variable costs throughout cancer treatment. However, problems with the published studies related to various PQAQ domains (e.g., time horizon, sensitivity analysis) rendered the magnitude of families' childhood cancer costs somewhat uncertain. Strategies for enhancing the quality of childhood cancer cost of illness research are presented. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argerie Tsimicalis
- Center for Health Policy, School of Nursing, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
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48
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Dussel V, Bona K, Heath JA, Hilden JM, Weeks JC, Wolfe J. Unmeasured costs of a child's death: perceived financial burden, work disruptions, and economic coping strategies used by American and Australian families who lost children to cancer. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29:1007-13. [PMID: 21205758 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.8960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Financial concerns represent a major stressor for families of children with cancer but remain poorly understood among those with terminally ill children. We describe the financial hardship, work disruptions, income loss, and coping strategies of families who lost children to cancer. METHODS Retrospective cross-sectional survey of 141 American and 89 Australian bereaved parents whose children died between 1990 and 1999 and 1996 to 2004, respectively, at three tertiary-care pediatric hospitals (two American, one Australian). Response rate: 63%. RESULTS Thirty-four (24%) of 141 families from US centers and 34 (39%) of 88 families from the Australian center reported a great deal of financial hardship resulting from their children's illness. Work disruptions were substantial (84% in the United States, 88% in Australia). Australian families were more likely to report quitting a job (49% in Australia v 35% in the United States; P = .037). Sixty percent of families lost more than 10% of their annual income as a result of work disruptions. Australians were more likely to lose more than 40% of their income (34% in Australia v 19% in the United States; P = .035). Poor families experienced the greatest income loss. After accounting for income loss, 16% of American and 22% of Australian families dropped below the poverty line. Financial hardship was associated with poverty and income loss in all centers. Fundraising was the most common financial coping strategy (52% in the United States v 33% in Australia), followed by reduced spending. CONCLUSION In these US and Australian centers, significant household-level financial effects of a child's death as a result of cancer were observed, especially for poor families. Interventions aimed at reducing the effects of income loss may ease financial distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Dussel
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney St (SM-206), Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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49
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Klassen AF, Raina P, McIntosh C, Sung L, Klaassen RJ, O'Donnell M, Yanofsky R, Dix D. Parents of children with cancer: which factors explain differences in health-related quality of life. Int J Cancer 2010; 129:1190-8. [PMID: 21064097 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.25737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Research with parents of children with cancer has identified factors related to their adjustment and coping, but it is not fully understood why some parents do well and others do not. Guided by a stress process model, we examined the interrelationships among a comprehensive set of factors to identify the most important determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in parents of children in active treatment for cancer. A cross-sectional survey of 411 parents (80% response rate) of children receiving cancer treatment in Canada was conducted between November 2004 and February 2007. The following constructs were measured: background and context factors, child characteristics, family-centered service delivery, caregiver strain, intrapsychic factors, coping/supportive factors and parental HRQoL. The model was evaluated using structural equation modeling. Analysis was stratified by time since diagnosis (i.e., <12 months and ≥12 months). For those within 12 months of their child's diagnosis, family-centred service provision, caregiver strain, and self-perception accounted for 58% of the variation in psychosocial health, whereas caregiver strain and social support explained 50% of the variation in physical health. For parents in the >12 month group, caregiving strain was the only factor with a direct relationship with parental psychosocial and physical health, accounting for 66% and 55% of the variance in these constructs, respectively. Our findings reinforce the need for health professionals to be particularly attuned to family caregivers in the early stages of treatment and identify potential areas for interventions to promote parental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne F Klassen
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, ON, Canada.
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50
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Syse A, Larsen IK, Tretli S. Does cancer in a child affect parents' employment and earnings? A population-based study. Cancer Epidemiol 2010; 35:298-305. [PMID: 20822964 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2010] [Revised: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer in a child may adversely affect parents' work opportunities due to enlarged care burdens and/or altered priorities. Few studies exist, and possible effects on parental employment and earnings were therefore explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data on the entire Norwegian population aged 27-65 with children under the age of 20 in 1990-2002 (N=1.2 million) was retrieved from national registries. Employment rates for parents of 3263 children with cancer were compared to those of parents with children without cancer by means of logistic regression models. Log-linear regression models were used to explore childhood cancer's effect on parental earnings for the large majority of parents who remained employed. RESULTS Cancer in a child was in general not associated with a reduced risk of employment, although some exceptions exist among both mothers and fathers. For employed mothers, CNS cancers, germinal cell cancers, and unspecified leukemia were associated with significant reductions in earnings (10%, 21%, and 60%, respectively). Reductions were particularly pronounced for mothers with a young and alive child, and became more pronounced with time elapsed from diagnosis. Fathers' earnings were not affected significantly. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Parents' employment is not adversely affected by a child's cancer in Norway. Earnings are reduced in certain instances, but the overall effects are minor. Generous welfare options and flexible labor markets typical for Nordic welfare states may account for this. In line with traditional caregiving responsibilities, reductions in earnings were most pronounced for mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astri Syse
- Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway.
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