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Nahata L, Anazodo A, Cherven B, Logan S, Meacham LR, Meade CD, Zarnegar-Lumley S, Quinn GP. Optimizing health literacy to facilitate reproductive health decision-making in adolescent and young adults with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 5:e28476. [PMID: 32633029 PMCID: PMC7785658 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite being considered "standard of care" by many organizations, fertility and reproductive health communications and counseling practices remain inconsistent for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) newly diagnosed with cancer and during survivorship. One factor known to affect how information is provided and received in the medical setting is health literacy. Providers should consider health literacy to optimize reproductive health communication with AYAs as they cope with their diagnosis, understand what it means for their future, process information about treatment options, learn about their potential harmful effects on fertility, make quick decisions about fertility preservation, and navigate a future family planning course. Thus, the objectives of this manuscript are to (a) summarize literature on reproductive health literacy; (b) describe health literacy frameworks; (c) examine ways to assess health literacy; and (d) identify ways to enhance clinician-patient communication in the AYA oncofertility setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Nahata
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Antoinette Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brooke Cherven
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Shanna Logan
- School of Women and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lillian R. Meacham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Cathy D. Meade
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Division of Population Science, Health Outcomes & Behavior
| | - Sara Zarnegar-Lumley
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
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Mooney-Doyle K, Pyke-Grimm KA, Lanzel AF, Montgomery KE, Hassan J, Thompson A, Rouselle R, Matheny Antommaria AH. Balancing Protection and Progress in Pediatric Palliative Care Research: Stakeholder Perspectives. Pediatrics 2022; 150:e2022057502. [PMID: 36069137 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care, including end-of-life care, remains a relatively new area of interdisciplinary clinical practice and research. Improving the multifaceted and complex care of children and their families involves research that (1) documents the experiences of children with serious illness, their families, and clinicians; (2) evaluates relationships between contextual factors and health outcomes; and (3) establishes a stronger foundation for child- and family-focused interventions to improve care. Partnership among stakeholders in family-focused research begins from design through conduct of the study. This partnership is the foundation of a dynamic research process that illuminates critical perspectives. We present a hypothetical pediatric palliative study; a qualitative descriptive study of the perspectives of adolescents and young adults with life-limiting illnesses and their parents after a discussion about an end-of-life decision. Pediatric palliative care researchers, institutional review board leaders, and the parent of a child who died comment on how to balance the obligations to improve clinical care and to protect participants in research. Their recommendations include recruiting a wide range of participants, differentiating emotional responses from harm, approaching potential participants as individuals, and seeking feedback from family advisory boards and designated reviewers with content expertise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Anisha Thompson
- Emory University Institutional Review Board, Atlanta, Georgia
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Theroux CI, Hill KN, Olsavsky AL, Klosky JL, Yeager ND, Audino A, O’Brien SH, Quinn GP, Gerhardt CA, Nahata L. Satisfaction with Fertility Preservation Decisions among Adolescent Males with Cancer: A Mixed Methods Study. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143559. [PMID: 34298773 PMCID: PMC8304836 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fertility impairment is common among male childhood cancer survivors and negatively impacts quality of life. Sperm banking, before starting cancer treatment, is an established fertility preservation option, yet it remains underutilized at many pediatric centers. Although survivors often report regret about missed banking opportunities, little is known about short-term decisional satisfaction. The aim of this mixed methods study was to examine decisional satisfaction one month after diagnosis by comparing satisfaction among families of adolescents who did or did not attempt to bank. Quantitatively, families reported satisfaction regardless of the banking decision, while qualitatively, families of adolescents who did not attempt to bank reported potential for future regret. Thus, decisional dissatisfaction may not present after one month but could emerge in the future. The findings underscore the importance of longitudinal research to examine satisfaction over time, and why quantitative and qualitative discrepancies exist, as well as psychosocial support across the care continuum as survivors approach their reproductive years. Abstract Half of male childhood cancer survivors experience treatment-related fertility impairment, which can lead to distress. Survivors often regret forgoing fertility preservation (FP), and decisional dissatisfaction is associated with a lower quality of life. This mixed methods study examined short-term FP decisional satisfaction among families of male adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer who received an initial fertility consult and completed an FP values clarification tool. One-two months after the FP decision, thirty-nine families completed the Brief Subjective Decision Quality measure. Decisional satisfaction was compared for participants (mothers, fathers, adolescents) who did and did not attempt to bank. Semi-structured interviews included the following question: How do you/your family feel about the banking decision now/in the future? Decisional quality scores were moderate-high (M = 5.74–6.33 out of 7), with no significant differences between non-attempter (n = 15) and attempter (n = 24) families (adolescents: p = 0.83, d = 0.08; mothers: p = 0.18, d = 0.45; fathers: p = 0.32, d = 0.44). Three qualitative themes emerged among non-attempter families: (1) satisfaction with decision (50% of participants), (2) acceptance of decision (60%), and (3) potential for future regret (40%). Satisfaction with decision was the only theme identified in attempter families (93%). Quantitively, short-term decisional satisfaction was high regardless of the banking attempt. However, the qualitative findings suggest that the experiences of families who did not bank may be more nuanced, as several participants discussed a potential for future regret, highlighting the importance of ongoing support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charleen I. Theroux
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
| | - Kylie N. Hill
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
| | - Anna L. Olsavsky
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
| | - James L. Klosky
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA;
| | - Nicholas D. Yeager
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (N.D.Y.); (A.A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Anthony Audino
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (N.D.Y.); (A.A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sarah H. O’Brien
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (N.D.Y.); (A.A.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Gwendolyn P. Quinn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA;
| | - Cynthia A. Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Leena Nahata
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; (C.I.T.); (K.N.H.); (A.L.O.); (S.H.O.); (C.A.G.)
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(614)-722-4502; Fax: +1-(614)-722-6980
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Salsman JM, Yanez B, Snyder MA, Avina AR, Clayman ML, Smith KN, Purnell K, Victorson D. Attitudes and practices about fertility preservation discussions among young adults with cancer treated at a comprehensive cancer center: patient and oncologist perspectives. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:5945-5955. [PMID: 33763727 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adults (YAs, ages 18-39) diagnosed with cancer face multiple challenges that affect their health-related quality of life, including the potential for cancer-related infertility. Providing information about the risk of infertility and options to maintain fertility is critical for YAs who are newly diagnosed. However, barriers to effective communication exist for oncologists and their patients. The purpose of this study was to interview medical oncologists and YAs from the same cancer center to examine attitudes and practices about fertility preservation. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with medical oncologists (N=12) and YAs within 2 years post-treatment (N=24), representing the most common cancers affecting YAs. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using qualitative methodologies with the analysis software NVivo 10. RESULTS Twelve oncologists (50% female, 67% <50 years) and 24 YAs (67% female, M=29 years) completed interviews. Common themes across oncologist and YA interviews were the roles of cancer type or stage and patient interest or parity in influencing the decision. The most important factor for YAs was to receive accurate, in-depth information. Unique themes for oncologists focused on clinical aspects of their patient's disease. For YAs, they shared about the emotional impact of cancer-related infertility and desire for support from trusted others. CONCLUSIONS Results provide a better understanding of the attitudes and practices about fertility preservation discussions among YAs. Given the common factors affecting fertility preservation decisions, models of shared decision-making may be ideal for YAs and oncologists. Future interventions should explore tailored applications of this approach for YAs newly diagnosed with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Salsman
- Department of Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest School of Medicine & the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
| | - Betina Yanez
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mallory A Snyder
- Office of Research and National Laboratories, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexis R Avina
- San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marla L Clayman
- General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kristin N Smith
- The Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - David Victorson
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Impact of a novel family-centered values clarification tool on adolescent sperm banking attempts at the time of a new cancer diagnosis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1561-1569. [PMID: 33564937 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02092-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Over half of males experience fertility impairment after childhood cancer therapy, which often causes psychosocial distress. Yet, fertility preservation (FP) remains underutilized. The goals of this study were to determine the feasibility and impact of implementing a family-centered FP values clarification tool on sperm banking attempts among adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer, and identify key determinants of banking attempts. METHODS A prospective pilot study was conducted among families of males (12-25 years old), prior to cancer therapy. Thirty-nine of 41 families agreed to participate (95%); 98 participants (32 adolescents, 37 mothers, 29 fathers) completed the Family-centered Adolescent Sperm banking values clarification Tool (FAST). Analyses assessed the impact of the FAST on banking attempts and examined associations between demographic/medical characteristics, FAST subscales (perceived threat, benefits, barriers), and banking attempts. RESULTS Twenty-three (59%) adolescents attempted to bank, compared to 8 adolescents (33%) during baseline assessment (p=.04). Significant associations were identified between banking attempts and adolescents' report of perceived threat (rpb=.45, p=.01) and benefits (rpb=.57, p=.01). Only mothers' proxy reports of adolescent perceived threat (rpb=.42, p=.01) and benefits (rpb=.47, p=.003) were associated with banking attempts, while fathers' self-reported perceived benefits (rpb=.43, p=.03), self-reported barriers (rpb=.49, p=.01), and proxy reports of adolescent perceived threat (rpb=.38, p=.04) and benefits (rpb=.59, p=.02) were associated with banking attempts. CONCLUSION Adolescent sperm banking attempt rates significantly increased after implementation of a family-centered FP values clarification tool prior to cancer treatment. Findings underscore the importance of targeting both adolescents and their parents, particularly fathers, in FP efforts.
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Morgan TL, Young BP, Lipak KG, Lehmann V, Klosky J, Quinn GP, Gerhardt CA, Nahata L. "We Can Always Adopt": Perspectives of Adolescent and Young Adult Males with Cancer and Their Family on Alternatives to Biological Parenthood. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2020; 9:572-578. [PMID: 32320315 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2020.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Approximately half of male childhood cancer survivors experience impaired fertility, which is known to cause psychological distress. Yet, less than 50% of at-risk adolescent and young adult (AYA) males pursue fertility preservation (FP) at diagnosis. Alternatives to biological parenthood (e.g., adoption/sperm donation) may be considered, but little is known about perspectives regarding these alternatives among AYA males and their families. Methods: Families of AYAs were recruited for a mixed-method study examining FP decisions at cancer diagnosis. One month later, 48 participants from 20 families (18 male AYAs, 12-22 years of age, 19 mothers, 11 fathers) completed semistructured interviews, including two questions about: (a) alternative routes to biological parenthood, and (b) their knowledge about the processes involved and/or challenges associated with such alternatives. Verbatim transcripts were coded for thematic content using the constant comparison method. Results: Three main themes were identified, of which two represent both ends of considering alternative parenthood: (a) Willingness to consider alternatives to biological parenthood, primarily adoption; (b) No consideration/discussion of alternative family building options; and (c) Variable knowledge of alternatives and/or associated challenges. Notably, more AYAs than parents mentioned a specific preference for biological children. Conclusions: One-month postcancer diagnosis, most parents reported willingness to consider alternatives to biological parenthood for their sons, while AYA males were less knowledgeable or open to these options. Future research should prospectively examine how these attitudes affect FP decisions before treatment. Medical and psychosocial providers should counsel patients and survivors accordingly to optimize reproductive outcomes and prevent psychosocial distress if parenthood goals are unfulfilled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor L Morgan
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Braedon P Young
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Keagan G Lipak
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Vicky Lehmann
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - James Klosky
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Leena Nahata
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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