Illness unpredictability and psychosocial adjustment of adolescent and young adults impacted by parental cancer: the mediating role of unmet needs

Recent advances in caspase-3, breast cancer, and traditional Chinese medicine: a review

Caspases (cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinases) are a group of structurally similar proteases in the cytoplasm that can be involved in cell differentiation, programmed death, proliferation, and inflammatory generation. Experts have found that caspase-3 can serve as a terminal splicing enzyme in apoptosis and participate in the mechanism by which cytotoxic drugs kill cancer cells. Breast cancer (BC) has become the most common cancer among women worldwide, posing a severe threat to their lives. Finding new therapeutic targets for BC is the primary task of contemporary physicians. Numerous studies have revealed the close association between caspase-3 expression and BC. Caspase-3 is essential in BC's occurrence, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, Caspase-3 exerts anticancer effects by regulating cell death mechanisms. Traditional Chinese medicine acting through caspase-3 expression is increasingly used in clinical treatment. This review summarizes the biological mechanism of caspase-3 and research progress on BC. It introduces a variety of traditional Chinese medicine related to caspase-3 to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of BC.

The mediating role of psychological flexibility in the relationship between resilience and distress and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of psychological flexibility in mediating the beneficial effects of resilience on distress and quality of life (QoL) in people with MS (PwMS). The psychological flexibility framework underpinning acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) was used to conceptualise psychological flexibility. A total of 56 PwMS completed an online survey that assessed global psychological flexibility and each of its six core sub-processes, resilience, distress, mental and physical health QoL, socio-demographics, and illness variables. Mediation analyses showed that, as hypothesised, higher levels of global psychological flexibility and its sub-processes were associated with increases in the positive impacts of resilience on distress and mental and physical health QoL via a mediational mechanism. These findings suggest that psychological flexibility skills build resilience capacities in PwMS. The psychological flexibility framework offers an ACT-based intervention pathway to build resilience and enhance mental health and QoL in PwMS.

Reduced Psychosocial Well-Being among the Children of Women with Early-Onset Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

Approximately 27% of female breast cancer patients are diagnosed before the age of 55, a group often comprising mothers with young children. Maternal psychosocial well-being significantly impacts these children's psychosocial well-being. This study assesses the well-being of children with mothers who have early-onset breast cancer.

METHODS

We examined the eldest child (up to 15 years old) of women with nonmetastatic breast cancer (<55 years old, mean age: 40) enrolled in the mother-child rehab program 'get well together'. Using maternal reports on children's well-being (the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ), we describe the prevalence of abnormally high SDQ scores and identify protective and risk factors via linear regression.

RESULTS

The mean SDQ scores of 496 children (4-15 years old, mean age: 8) fell below the thresholds, indicating psychosocial deficits. However, most SDQ scores deviated negatively from the general population, especially for emotional problems, with one in ten children displaying high and one in five displaying very high deficits. Female sex, more siblings, a positive family environment and maternal psychosocial well-being were protective factors for children's psychosocial well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Children of mothers with breast cancer may benefit from improved maternal well-being and family support. Further research is needed to identify appropriate interventions.

Identification of psychological flexibility and inflexibility profiles during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wave and lockdown adversely affected the lives of people in diverse ways.

AIMS

This study used a person-centered approach to identify patterns of engagement in the 12 psychological flexibility (PF) and inflexibility (PI) processes to manage the first COVID-19 wave and lockdown hardships.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A total of 1035 Italian adults completed an online survey.

RESULTS

Latent profile analyses conducted on the 12 PI/PF processes measured by the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory identified five profiles; three reflected gradations of high to low PF with corresponding inverse levels of PI, while two represented more complex relationships between PI and PF. After controlling for relevant socio-demographic and COVID-19/lockdown factors, the five profiles differed in mental health (depression, anxiety, and COVID-19 distress). Essentially a gradient of progressive decreases in all PI processes (except experiential avoidance) corresponded with increments in mental health across all profiles. Two profiles, which evidenced the highest levels of mental health (highly flexible and moderately flexible profiles), also had the greatest proportion of the sample 56.42% (n = 584), and the highest levels of PF and experiential avoidance.

DISCUSSION

Findings from this and similar studies suggest intersecting complex relationships among the PI/PF processes that are likely to shift in response to changing contexts. We suggest this network of relationships is better represented by a three-dimensional PF/PI hexaflex than a simplistic two-dimensional depiction of the model.

CONCLUSION

Distinguishing different PF/PI profiles identified groups most at risk for the adverse mental health impacts of the pandemic and exposed variations in the mental health protective and risk roles of PF and PI processes, respectively, that can inform ACT-based mental health promotion interventions.

Factors related to the quality of life of family cancer caregivers

Background

Cancer caregivers directly affect patient health outcomes. To maintain the function and health of caregivers so that patients can receive efficient care, we must pay more attention to caregivers' quality of life in the process of caring for patients. However, the factors influencing caregivers' quality of life are complex.

Aim

To assess caregivers' quality of life in the process of caring for cancer patients and to explore the factors associated with it.

Design

This was a descriptive correlational study. A self-report questionnaire was used to anonymously collect data from one Chinese cancer hospital. The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp-12), General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 (CD-RISC-10), 24-item Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) and Caregiver Evaluation Questionnaire were used to measure caregivers' spiritual well-being, self-efficacy, affective well-being, resilience, caregiver burden and quality of life. One-way analysis of variance, the Kruskal-Wallis H test and multiple regression analysis were applied to measure the factors influencing caregivers' situations.

Setting and participants

A total of 315 caregivers of cancer patients were selected by convenience sampling. All participants were invited to complete the questionnaire through a one-on-one approach.

Results

The mean score for caregiver quality of life was 204.62 ± 36.61. After controlling for demographic factors, self-efficacy (β' = 0.265, p < 0.01), resilience (β' = 0.287, p < 0.01) and positive affect (β' = 0.103, p < 0.01) were protective factors for caregivers' quality of life. Negative affect (β' = -0.217, p < 0.01) and caregiver burden (β' = -0.219, p < 0.01) were negative factors. Notably, not all of these predictors can predict all dimensions of quality of life.

Conclusion

Caregivers' quality of life needs to be further improved. The results of this study may provide clues to help identify factors influencing caregivers' quality of life and implement targeted strategies to improve their quality of life.

Health behaviors and psychological burden of adolescents after parental cancer diagnosis

This study aims to investigate health behaviors and psychological burdens in adolescent children of cancer parents. We compared health behaviors and mental health outcomes between 266 adolescent children with a parent diagnosed with cancer and 3163 control adolescents aged 12-19 years using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2010 to 2018. Alcohol use of adolescents increased between 2 and 5 years after parental cancer diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.94) but decreased after 5 years. Parental cancer was associated with increased vaccination uptake in adolescents within 1 year of diagnosis (aOR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.55-6.54), but after 2 years, there was no difference from rates in their peers. Maternal cancer was associated with increased depression among adolescents (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.10 - 2.73). Although the risks of suicidal thoughts/plans/attempts increased within 1 year after parental cancer diagnosis (aOR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.00 - 8.83), it reduced 2 years after diagnosis, leading to no significant difference from the frequency in peers. Within five years after the parent was diagnosed with cancer, support for their adolescent children's health behaviors and mental health is necessary in the community.

A case study of an adolescent according to A Model of Children's Adjustment to Parental Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To describe and analyze the experience of an adolescent experiencing parental cancer, based on A Model of Children's Adjustment to Parental Cancer, and to prescribe nursing interventions in classified language.

METHOD

This is a single case study, qualitative, of a 16-year-old adolescent experiencing maternal cancer. We analyzed a semi-structured interview, based on a script conceptualized by the selected theoretical model. Data processing took place through content analysis. Authorization was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee TI 25/2020.

RESULTS

The analysis of the adolescent's interview allowed identifying categories in agreement with the model variables. Psychosocial adjustment dimensions and stress response symptoms, such as academic performance and somatic symptoms, were recognized in the adolescent's adjustment process. Nursing interventions will focus on education and support.

CONCLUSION

The theoretical model contributed to assess the needs of adolescents experiencing parental cancer, allowing nursing interventions to be prescribed in classified language that consider moderating and mediating variables, promoting adjustment. The model proved to be suitable for future interventions for adolescents experiencing similar situations.

Psychosocial issues and quality of life of parenting partners of young women with breast cancer

PURPOSE

Data are lacking about the association between quality of life (QOL) and psychosocial issues of partners of young women with breast cancer who co-parent dependent children.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of partners of women with breast cancer diagnosed at age ≤ 40. Among those partners reporting at least one dependent child under 18 years old at the time of diagnosis, we used multiple linear regression to examine associations between partner QOL and sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, and the patient's cancer stage and time since diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of the 219 parenting partners, all identified as male with a median age of 44 years; 96% (204/213) reported working full-time at the time of the survey. Fifty-four percent endorsed behaviors indicating maladaptive coping. In adjusted analyses, less than full-time employment (β =  - 8.76; 95% CI =  - 17.37, - 0.14), younger age (β =  - 0.35; 95% CI =  - 0.069, - 0.02), greater parenting concerns (β = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.36, 0.75), clinically relevant anxiety symptoms (β = 13.79; 95% CI = 10.24, 17.35), lower post-traumatic growth score (β =  - 0.33; 95% CI =  - 0.51, - 0.16), lower social support (β =  - 0.21; 95% CI =  - 0.29, - 0.12), lower sexual satisfaction (β =  - 0.40; 95% CI =  - 0.62, - 0.19), and breast cancer stages 3 (β = 7.61; 95% CI = 0.19, 15.02) and 4 (β = 12.63; 95% CI = 1.91, 23.34), when compared to stage 0, were associated with lower partner QOL.

CONCLUSION

Parenting partners of young women with breast cancer have substantial unmet psychosocial needs. Interventions are needed to enhance QOL and promote adaptive coping for this population.

Young Adult Carers during the Pandemic: The Effects of Parental Illness and Other Ill Family Members on COVID-19-Related and General Mental Health Outcomes

The mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adult carers have been neglected. This study aimed to identify COVID-19 related risk factors for young adult carers and to investigate their mental health relative to non-carer peers. Of the 1823 Italians aged 18–29 who completed an online survey, 1458 reported no ill family member (non-carers). Young adult carers included 268 with an ill parent, and 97 with an ill non-parent family member. Two mental health outcome categories were measured: COVID-19-related (risky health behaviors, loneliness, home violence, fear of COVID-19) and general (anxiety, depression, wellbeing). Six COVID-19 related risk factors were significantly correlated with poorer mental health in young adult carers. These factors constituted a COVID-19 Context Index. Compared to non-carers, young adult carers reported poorer mental health across all outcomes, as expected. The prediction that young adult carers caring for an ill parent would report poorer mental health than those caring for ill non-parent family members was evident only for the COVID-19-related mental health outcomes. The elevated rates of clinically significant distress and pandemic-related mental health problems among young adult carers highlight this group as a priority for mental health promotion interventions and whole-of-family support across multiple sectors.

VIVÊNCIA DO CANCRO PARENTAL: ESTUDO DE CASO COM APLICAÇÃO DO MODELO DE NEUMAN

RESUMO Objetivo compreender à luz do Modelo de Sistemas de Betty Neuman, a experiência de uma mulher-mãe a vivenciar uma situação de cancro; identificar as necessidades da mulher-mãe e prescrever intervenções de enfermagem em linguagem classificada. Método estudo de caso do tipo qualitativo, de uma mulher-mãe de um adolescente, a vivenciar cancro. Colheita de dados realizada em Coimbra, Portugal, em 2021, através de entrevista semiestruturada, apoiada por um guião fundamentado no Modelo de Betty Neuman. Tratamento de dados realizado com base na análise de conteúdo categorial. Resultados a análise do discurso da mãe possibilitou identificar categorias concordantes com as variáveis do modelo: fisiológicas, psicológicas, socioculturais, espirituais e desenvolvimentais. As dificuldades mais expressas pela mãe foram o medo, alterações provocadas pela doença e o desempenho do papel parental. Os diagnósticos de enfermagem foram definidos com base nos focos “aceitação do estado de saúde”, “medo”, “papel parental” e “coping familiar”, associando-os às respetivas intervenções de enfermagem. As intervenções focaram-se no apoio e na educação. Conclusão o modelo teórico contribuiu para compreender e identificar as necessidades da mãe a experienciar o cancro parental, facilitando a prescrição de intervenções de enfermagem em linguagem classificada. O modelo mostrou-se pertinente para futuras intervenções em pais a vivenciar situações semelhantes.

Estudo de caso de um adolescente segundo o Modelo Teórico do Ajuste ao Cancro Parental

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever e analisar experiência de um adolescente a vivenciar cancro parental, fundamentado no Modelo Teórico do Ajuste dos Adolescentes ao Cancro Parental, e prescrever intervenções de enfermagem em linguagem classificada. Método: estudo de caso único, tipo qualitativo, de adolescente de 16 anos de idade a vivenciar cancro da mãe. Analisou-se uma entrevista semiestruturada, baseada em um roteiro concetualizado pelo modelo teórico selecionado. Tratamento de dados ocorreu através de análise de conteúdo. Obteve-se autorização da Comissão de Ética TI 25/2020. Resultados: a análise da entrevista do adolescente permitiu identificar categorias concordantes com as variáveis do modelo. As dimensões de ajuste psicossocial e sintomas de resposta ao estress, como performance acadêmica e sintomas somáticos, foram reconhecidas no processo de ajuste do adolescente. As intervenções de enfermagem serão focadas na educação e apoio. Conclusão o modelo teórico contribuiu para avaliar as necessidades do adolescente a vivenciar cancro parental, permitindo prescrever intervenções de enfermagem em linguagem classificada que considerem variáveis moderadoras e mediadoras, promovendo-se o ajuste. O modelo demonstrou ser adequado para futuras intervenções a adolescentes a experienciar situações semelhantes.

EXPERIENCING PARENTAL CANCER: A CASE STUDY WITH APPLICATION OF NEUMAN’S MODEL

ABSTRACT Objective to understand, in the light of Betty Neuman’s Systems Model, the experience of a woman-mother with cancer, and identify the woman-mother’s needs and prescribe nursing interventions in classified language. Method a qualitative case study of a woman-mother of a teenager experiencing cancer. Data collection carried out in Coimbra, Portugal, in 2021, through a semi-structured interview, supported by a script based on Betty Neuman’s Systems Model. Data processing performed based on categorical content analysis. Results the analysis of a mother’s speech made it possible to identify categories in agreement with the model variables: physiological, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual and developmental. The difficulties most expressed by the mother were fear, changes caused by the disease and parental role performance. The nursing diagnoses were defined based on the focuses “acceptance of health status”, “fear”, “parental role” and “family coping”, associating them with the respective nursing interventions. Interventions focused on support and education. Conclusion the theoretical model contributed to understanding and identifying the needs of a mother experiencing parental cancer, facilitating the prescription of nursing interventions in classified language. The model proved to be relevant for future interventions in parents experiencing similar situations.

Families Affected by Parental Cancer: Quality of Life, Impact on Children and Psychosocial Care Needs

Parental cancer poses major challenges for families with minor children. Due to diagnosis and treatment family life is disrupted. To prevent long-term consequences in all family members and to design needs-oriented family-centered interventions, further understanding of the family's situation including the impact on the children, quality of life levels and the parental psychosocial needs is necessary. This study aims at investigating the impact of parental cancer on the minor children, family-specific psychosocial needs and quality of life levels of parents and children. Cancer patients parenting at least 1 minor child (<18 years) were eligible for study participation. In total, n=86 cancer patients under treatment participated in the study. After excluding participants without a minor child, 78 patients remained for analyses. We assessed children's quality of life using the parent proxy version of the KIDSCREEN-10 and parental quality of life using the EORTC QLQ C30 quality of life questionnaire. Additionally, the questionnaire comprised open questions about positive and negative changes parents perceived in their children as well as questions on specific family- and child-related psychosocial needs. The majority of participants were mothers (91%), mainly diagnosed with breast cancer (59%). The participating parents provided data on 117 minor children. Parents mentioned positive changes in 38% of the children (e.g., being more attentive and helpful). Negative changes were reported in 37% of the children (e.g., being more anxious and clingy). Parents reported family-specific psychosocial supportive care needs for themselves as a parent (e.g., support regarding parenting concerns), support needs for the partner or the children. Moreover, parents expressed family-related information needs and needs regarding practical aspects (e.g., childcare, household help). Global quality of life was M = 55.7 (SD = 23.4) for parents and M = 57.5 (SD = 15.5) for children. Pearson's correlation coefficient between parental and children's quality of life was 0.377 (p < 0.001). To identify parents with cancer and children in need for additional support, health care providers should proactively inquire about the impact of the disease on the children. In terms of a comprehensive cancer care, the direct assessment of family impact and family-specific support needs in cancer patients with minor children allows for needs-based allocation to support offers.