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O'Donnell N, Phillips B, Morgan JE, Howell D. 'It's not meant to be for life, but it carries on': a qualitative investigation into the psychosocial needs of young retinoblastoma survivors. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e082779. [PMID: 38688668 PMCID: PMC11086577 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare childhood eye cancer, with 45% of individuals impacted by heritable disease and the remainder impacted non-heritably. The condition can leave survivors with life-long psychological and social challenges. This qualitative study examined the psychosocial needs of teenagers and young adults living beyond Rb. SETTING A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted using focus groups with teenagers and interviews with young adults. Participants were recruited via the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust and the two national Rb treatment centres in the UK. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse data using exploratory and inductive methods. PARTICIPANTS 32 young survivors of Rb (10 heritable, 21 non-heritable, 1 unknown; 23 unilateral, 9 bilateral) aged between 13 and 29 years (12 male, 20 female). RESULTS Data were rich and spanned the life course: three key themes were generated, containing eight subthemes. Theme 1 describes participants' experiences of childhood and trauma, including survivor guilt, memories from treatment and impact on personality. Theme 2 focuses on the challenges of adolescence, including the psychological impact of Rb, the impact on identity, and the sense of normality and adaptation to late effects. The third theme considered adulthood and the development of acceptance, a state of being widely considered unachievable during childhood, as well as the 'work' needed to feel supported, including seeking out information, peer support and therapeutic strategies. CONCLUSIONS This study provides in-depth insight into the experiences of life beyond Rb. Findings highlight the need for specific psychosocial interventions informed by codesign.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bob Phillips
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Debra Howell
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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Keller MC, Needham A, Holden E, Engelke K, Foy K, Hart L, Hinderer K. We Are Done! Now What? Exploring End of Treatment Needs of Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Parents. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2024; 41:96-106. [PMID: 38238967 DOI: 10.1177/27527530231194598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background: Increased childhood cancer survival rates have spurred a new body of research pertaining to the cancer-survivorship continuum. Literature suggests a lack of research and guidelines for care at the end of treatment (EOT). To improve the transition to survivorship and determine any posttreatment challenges, this study explored the experiences of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs), parents/caregivers, and pediatric oncology health care professionals (HCPs) at EOT. Method: This study employed a mixed methods design. EOT Questionnaires were completed by CCSs and parents/caregivers within 6 months of completing treatment, and by pediatric oncology HCPs. Results: A total of 75 CCSs and parents/caregivers and 21 HCPs completed the study. The majority of parents/caregivers (78%) and older CCSs (94%) recalled having an EOT "meeting." Most were satisfied with the meeting, but described unexpected worries/problems following EOT. Family members stating they were "very satisfied" with the EOT meeting increased significantly relative to the number of EOT topics addressed. In contrast, the omission of certain psychosocial discussion topics negatively correlated with satisfaction. Oncologists provided the majority of EOT services, with infrequent provision by other HCPs. Less than 20% of HCPs characterized families as "very satisfied" with EOT services and suggested improvements to meet families' needs. Discussion: This study found unmet psychosocial and anticipatory guidance needs, indicating a lack of preparedness. The results suggest that end of cancer treatment requires a more standardized, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary approach. Enhanced education and support services are needed to promote the successful navigation of all families through this period of transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Conway Keller
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Andrew Needham
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Elizabeth Holden
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Karina Engelke
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Kelly Foy
- Child and Family Support Services, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Leigh Hart
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Katherine Hinderer
- Institute of Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, CT, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCONN School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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Ochoa-Dominguez CY, Chan RY, Cervantes L, Banegas MP, Miller KA. Social support experiences of hispanic/latino parents of childhood cancer survivors in a safety-net hospital: a qualitative study. J Psychosoc Oncol 2023; 42:398-411. [PMID: 37787073 PMCID: PMC10987392 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2023.2259365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the social support experiences of Hispanic/Latino parents while caregiving for childhood cancer survivors. RESEARCH APPROACH Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted among 15 caregivers from a safety-net hospital in Los Angeles. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze data. FINDINGS The positive influence of social support throughout their caregiving experience included (1) sharing information-enhanced knowledge, (2) receiving comfort and encouragement, (3) receiving tangible assistance reducing the caregiving burden, and (4) enhancing caregiving empowerment/self-efficacy. Sub-themes regarding the lack of social support included (1) being a single parent and (2) family and friends withdrawing after the child's cancer diagnosis. CONCLUSION We found Hispanic/Latino parents strongly value social support as it enables them to have essential resources that support caregiving for their child and themselves. Efforts should ensure that caregivers are routinely screened to identify their supportive needs so that support services for caregivers can be optimized and tailored, as those with a lack of social support may experience excessive caregiver burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Y. Ochoa-Dominguez
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Randall Y. Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lissette Cervantes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew P. Banegas
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Kimberly A. Miller
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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van Gorp M, Joosten MMH, Maas A, Drenth BL, van der Aa-van Delden A, Kremer LCM, van Dulmen-den Broeder E, Tissing WJE, Loonen JJ, van der Pal HJH, de Vries ACH, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Ronckers C, Bresters D, Louwerens M, Neggers SJCCM, van der Heiden-van der Loo M, Maurice-Stam H, Grootenhuis MA. Psychosocial functioning of parents of Dutch long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Psychooncology 2023; 32:283-294. [PMID: 36426662 PMCID: PMC10107521 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe health-related quality of life (HRQoL), post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth of parents of long-term survivors of childhood cancer (CCS) and study associated factors. METHODS Parents of survivors of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study LATER cohort below 30 years and diagnosed 1986-2001 were invited to complete the TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult's HRQoL (e.g., sleep and aggressive emotions), Self-Rating Scale for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, and Illness Cognition Questionnaire. HRQoL domain scores were compared to references using Mann-Whitney U tests. Correlations between post-traumatic stress, growth and HRQoL were evaluated. Medical characteristics of their child and illness cognitions were studied as associated factors of HRQOL, post-traumatic stress and growth. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Parents (n = 661 of n = 448 survivors, 56% female, mean time since child's diagnosis: 21.3 [SD: 3.3] years) reported better HRQoL in social functioning and aggressive emotions than references (r = .08-0.17). Mothers additionally reported better HRQoL in pain, daily activities, sexuality, vitality, positive and depressive emotions (r = .07-0.14). Post-traumatic stress was symptomatic in 3%, and associated with worse HRQoL (r = -0.27-0.48). Post-traumatic growth was positively associated to post-traumatic stress and better HRQoL (r = 0.09-0.12). Cancer recurrence was associated to better HRQoL (β = 0.37-0.46). Acceptance illness cognitions were associated to better (β = 0.12-0.25), and helplessness to worse outcomes (β = 0.14-0.38). CONCLUSIONS HRQoL of parents of young adult survivors of CCS is comparable to references or slightly better. Only a small proportion reports symptomatic post-traumatic stress. Improving acceptance and reducing feelings of helplessness may provide treatment targets for parents with psychosocial problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marloes van Gorp
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mala M H Joosten
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Maas
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Babet L Drenth
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Leontien C M Kremer
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline van Dulmen-den Broeder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J E Tissing
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of pediatric oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Andrica C H de Vries
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marry M van den Heuvel-Eibrink
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cécile Ronckers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Services Research, Carl v Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Dorine Bresters
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Davies J, O'Connor M, Halkett GKB, Kelada L, Bosco AM, Gottardo NG. 'Torn in two': Experiences of Mothers Who Are Pregnant when Their Child Is Diagnosed With Cancer. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1795-1808. [PMID: 35976776 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221117924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mothers of children diagnosed with cancer have been shown to experience high rates of psychological distress and poor physical health. Pregnancy further increases the healthcare needs of mothers due to the marked physiological changes and psychological adaptations. Our study aimed to explore the experiences of mothers who were pregnant and/or had a baby while their older child was receiving treatment for cancer. Our study employed a qualitative description methodology using semi-structured interviews. Participants were recruited from across Australia via notices on social media sites and the distribution of flyers. The sample comprised 13 mothers who were pregnant and/or had a baby and had a child diagnosed with cancer who was under 17 years old. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data from which six themes were identified: (1) an impossible balancing act, (2) mother's health and well-being, (3) creating certainty: birthing plans, (4) a bit of sunshine and a time to rest, (5) challenges of caring for the baby and (6) an unenviable position: doing my best versus feeling guilty. Our study demonstrates the additional challenges faced by mothers who are pregnant while their child is receiving cancer treatment. There is a need for a comprehensive and coordinated program that provides pregnant mothers with practical and psychological support. The implementation of such a program has the potential to improve health outcomes for all family members, particularly the mother and their newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Davies
- 1649School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Moira O'Connor
- 1649School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Georgia K B Halkett
- 1649Curtin School of Nursing / Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Lauren Kelada
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine & Health, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna Maria Bosco
- 1649Curtin School of Nursing / Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nicholas G Gottardo
- 117610Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- 2720University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- 60081Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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Melguizo-Garín A, Martos-Méndez MJ, Hombrados-Mendieta I, Ruiz-Rodríguez I. Relation Between Social Support Received and Provided by Parents of Children, Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer and Stress Levels and Life and Family Satisfaction. Front Psychol 2022; 13:728733. [PMID: 35197893 PMCID: PMC8859532 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.728733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present study aims at analysing how social support received and provided by parents of children, adolescents and young adults (AYA) diagnosed with cancer, as well as their sociodemographic and clinical variables, affect those parents’ stress levels and life and family satisfaction. Materials and Methods A total of 112 parents of children and AYAs who had been diagnosed with cancer and who received treatment in Malaga participated in the study. In the study, participated all parents who voluntarily agreed to fulfil the questionnaire. The main inclusion criterion was that their child had cancer. Instruments used were Questionnaire on the Frequency of and Satisfaction with Social Support (QFSSS), Paediatric Inventory for Parents (PIP), Life Satisfaction Scale and Family Satisfaction Scale. Results In the mean difference analyses, male parents showed 3.38 (SD = 0.56) in social support received and female parents showed M = 3.08 (SD = 0.72). Conversely, in social support provided, female parents showed 3.22 and male parents showed M = 3.55 (p = 0.020). Significant differences were also found in family satisfaction, where female parents (M = 3.64) feel more satisfied than male parents (M = 3.06; p = 0.027). Parents of children aged between 0 and 14 years (M = 3.06) feel more stress than those parents of children aged 15–21 (M = 2.61; p = 0.021). The correlation analysis shows that there is a negative and significant relation between stress levels experienced by parents when facing different situations related to the child’s disease and both types of support, received r = −0.411, p < 0.001 and provided r = −0.282, p < 0.01. There is also a positive and significant relation between life satisfaction and social support received r = 0.292, p < 0.01, and social support provided r = 0.409, p < 0.001. There is a positive and significant relation between family satisfaction and social support received r = 0.330, p < 0.01, in the same way as with social support provided r = 0.222, p < 0.05. The regression analysis related to stress levels of parents indicates that social support received predicts levels of stress significantly p < 0.001, with the variable of number of children being the one that showed to be significant p < 0.05. Social support provided showed the most significant results p = 0.001, meaning that social support provided increased life satisfaction. Social support received explains family satisfaction (p = 0.50), as it increases the family satisfaction of parents of children with cancer. Discussion Analysing social support received and provided, as well as sociodemographic and clinical variables, allowed us to broaden the knowledge on the effect social support has on stress levels, life satisfaction and family satisfaction in parents of children and AYAs diagnosed with cancer. This may have relevant practical implications for the design of interventions that would improve parents’ lives.
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Davies J, O'Connor M, Halkett GKB, Kelada L, Gottardo NG. Parents' Experiences of Childhood Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Australian Perspective. J Pediatr Psychol 2021; 47:148-157. [PMID: 34865100 PMCID: PMC8690259 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsab125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 has had far-reaching impacts including changes in work, travel, social structures, education, and healthcare. Objective This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents of children receiving treatment for cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Parents whose children were currently in treatment for childhood cancer or had completed treatment in the previous 12 months, participated in semi-structured interviews, face-to-face or via teleconferencing. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results The sample consisted of 34 participants (17 fathers and 17 mothers) from all states across Australia. Median age 37.5 years (range 29–51, years, SD = 6.3). Five main themes were identified: “Welcome to the Club”; “Remote Work and Study”; “Silver Linings”; “The Loneliest Experience” with three sub-themes “Immediate Family”; “Friends”; and “Overseas Family” and “Lack of Support” with two sub-themes: “Community Support” and “Organized Support.” Conclusion These findings revealed contrasting experiences of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For parents whose children were neutropenic, the pandemic provided benefits in increased community understanding of infection control. Parents also reflected that the movement to remote work made it easier to earn an income. In contrast, some parents observed that restrictions on visitors and family intensified feelings of isolation. Parents also described how the COVID-19 reduced access to support services. These findings contribute to an understanding of the multifaceted impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on families of children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Davies
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Australia
| | - Moira O'Connor
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Australia.,WA Cancer Prevention Research Unit, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Australia
| | - Georgia K B Halkett
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Nursing, Curtin University, Australia
| | - Lauren Kelada
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia.,Behavioural Sciences Unit, Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Australia
| | - Nicholas G Gottardo
- Brain Tumour Research Programme, Telethon Kids Institute, Australia.,Paediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology/Haematology, Perth Children's Hospital, Australia
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Foot E, Leonhard A, Majeski J, Zahn L, Li HH, Caruso Brown AE. "The stakes could not be higher": A mixed methods study of parental social media use in pediatric oncology. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29176. [PMID: 34133056 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe how parents and families of children with cancer evaluate the benefits and risks of using social media (SM) and how they navigate disagreements between oncologists' advice and information found on SM. PROCEDURE Parents of children who had been previously diagnosed with cancer, and who had used SM for a purpose related to that child's health were recruited through SM sites and nonprofit organizations across the United States and were invited to complete questionnaires about their experiences using SM; a subset of participants also completed a follow-up in-depth interview. Open-ended responses and interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Ninety parents completed written questionnaires; 21 completed follow-up interviews. Seventy percent reported experiencing a situation in which information shared on SM conflicted with information provided by their child's oncologist. Although 86% reported that they discussed the conflicting information with the oncologist and 70% described the oncologist's response as positive, 78% also described ongoing negative feelings about the experience. Parents described openness to discussing SM, honesty, transparency, and humility regarding the limits of medicine, and shared decision-making regarding information found on SM as increasing their trust in their oncologist. CONCLUSIONS Parents offered valuable insights regarding their experiences navigating SM, including eight recommendations for how pediatricians might approach discussing parental SM use. Future studies will evaluate the utility of these recommendations for pediatric clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jill Majeski
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Lauren Zahn
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Hsin H Li
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Amy E Caruso Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA.,Center for Bioethics and Humanities, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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Melguizo Garín A, Martos-Méndez MJ, Hombrados-Mendieta I, Ruiz-Rodríguez I. La resiliencia de los padres de niños con cáncer y su importancia en el manejo del estrés y la satisfacción vital. PSICOONCOLOGIA 2021. [DOI: 10.5209/psic.71432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo: El presente estudio se plantea como objetivo principal analizar cómo la resiliencia de los padres de niños diagnosticados con enfermedad oncológica influye en la percepción de estrés y en la satisfacción vital. Metodología: Participaron 112 padres de niños con patología oncológica que recibían tratamiento en Málaga. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de medidas de autoinforme. Resultados: Existe una relación significativa y negativa entre la resiliencia y el estrés percibido, y una relación significativa y positiva entre la resiliencia y la satisfacción vital. En el estudio por dimensiones de la resiliencia y el estrés, la competencia personal de los padres disminuye el estrés R2 = 0,24; F = 12,12; p<0,0001 y la dimensión de la resiliencia aceptación de uno mismo aumenta la satisfacción vital R2 = 0,42; F = 31,24; p<0,0001. Conclusiones: El análisis de la resiliencia a través de sus dimensiones ha permitido conocer el papel que tiene sobre el estrés y la satisfacción vital de los padres con niños con cáncer. Estos resultados pueden tener importantes implicaciones prácticas en el diseño de las intervenciones que mejoren su calidad de vida.
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10
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Melguizo-Garín A, Hombrados-Mendieta I, José Martos-Méndez M, Ruiz-Rodríguez I. Social Support Received and Provided in the Adjustment of Parents of Children With Cancer. Integr Cancer Ther 2021; 20:15347354211044089. [PMID: 34583552 PMCID: PMC8485259 DOI: 10.1177/15347354211044089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study is to determine the relation between the satisfaction of parents of children with cancer with the social support received and provided from a multidimensional perspective (sources and types of support) and the disruptions that take place in different areas of their lives (partner, children, family, social relations, and economic and employment situation). METHOD One hundred twelve parents of children diagnosed with cancer who received treatment at the Mother and Child Hospital of Málaga (Spain) were recruited. Data were gathered through self-reporting measures. The instrument used includes a questionnaire about socio-demographic variables, a questionnaire about parents' adjustment to the situation and a questionnaire about social support received and provided based on the different sources and types of support. RESULTS There is a negative and significant relation between satisfaction with support received and provided and the magnitude of disruptions in parents' lives. CONCLUSION Satisfaction with emotional support received from the partner and family, and support provided to these sources, relate to lower disruption in different areas of parents' lives. These results can have significant practical implications for the psychosocial care provided to parents of children with cancer.
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A Multi-Modal Family Peer Support-Based Program to Improve Quality of Life among Pediatric Brain Tumor Patients: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study. CHILDREN-BASEL 2020; 7:children7040035. [PMID: 32326026 PMCID: PMC7231280 DOI: 10.3390/children7040035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pediatric brain tumor (PBT) survivors and their families are at risk for diminished psychosocial and quality of life outcomes. Community-based programs that leverage peer support in the context of integrative modalities such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) represent a promising avenue for meeting the multidimensional needs of survivors and their families. Methods: Parents and children were enrolled in a 12-week program that included weekly group TCM, a moderated private Facebook support group designed through social support and modeling theory, and weekly parent-only health behavior education and yoga. Process measures and quantitative and qualitative survey data was collected to gauge participant adherence, acceptability, and satisfaction, as well as exploratory outcomes. Results: Eleven parents completed surveys at all time points. Six of nine families attended at least 80% of the group TCM sessions, and eight of nine families interacted in the Facebook support group at least five days a week. Parents reported high levels of satisfaction and perceived benefits for the program. Baseline emotional distress, health behaviors, and QoL measurements improved during the three-month intervention. Qualitative data indicated parents perceived both in-person and the Facebook group peer support contributed to the benefits of the program. Conclusion: This feasibility study demonstrated that a multimodal peer support-based intervention that included in-person and online group interaction is feasible and acceptable to parents of pediatric brain tumor patients. Further research on interventions for caregivers that include in-person and online group-based peer support is warranted, with the goal of exploring similar outcomes in other childhood cancer diagnoses.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews the current literature on psychosocial care of children with cancer with particular focus on evidence-based standards of care, including developments in systematic distress screening, utilization of patient-reported outcomes, evidence-based interventions, survivorship, palliative care and bereavement. RECENT FINDINGS Although attention to the psychosocial needs of the child and family is increasingly recognized as an essential element of care for children with cancer, implementing evidence-based care remains suboptimal. Recent efforts have focused on utilizing technology to improve the reach of these interventions and to enhance engagement with special populations, such as adolescents and young adults. Increasing data elucidate the long-term psychological and physical late effects of childhood cancer survivorship and the impact of cancer on siblings and the family. Gaps in clinical care and important directions for future research include the needs of infants and toddlers, overlooked minorities, and patients with hereditary tumor predisposition syndromes, and attention to the psychosocial impact of exciting new treatments, such as autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. SUMMARY The evidence base for the psychosocial standards of care for children with cancer and their families continues to grow, but more work is needed to successfully implement these standards across pediatric cancer centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Wiener
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 1C247B-4, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Katie A Devine
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Amanda L Thompson
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
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