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Oswald-McCloskey KA, Kubinec N, Johnson E, Coffey A, Heinrich KP. Teacher Perspectives of Pediatric Neuropsychology and Supporting Children With Chronic Health Conditions. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2024:acae039. [PMID: 38783484 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acae039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of the present study was to examine teachers' perceptions of neuropsychological reports broadly and their preparedness to support the educational needs of students with chronic health conditions. METHOD Teachers were selected from across the United States using stratified random sampling. 280 teachers (76.2% female; 58.4% public school; 53.9% rural setting) completed an anonymous electronic survey via Qualtrics. RESULTS Half of the teachers were familiar with neuropsychology and previously read a neuropsychological report, which the majority found useful with a preference toward shorter reports. Most found listed recommendations to be appropriate, but half of teachers identified limited resources as a barrier to implementation. Teachers reported limited education, training, and comfort for providing accommodations to children with chronic health conditions, which was significantly lower for cancer, congenital heart disease, and sickle cell disease. Older teachers, more years of experience, and special education teachers demonstrated significantly higher levels of education, training, and comfort. Frequency of implementing accommodations was significantly negatively correlated with perceived burden and positively correlated with perceived benefit across most accommodations. Teachers reported a preference for single-page handouts and speaking directly to neuropsychologists about the specific learning needs of students with chronic health conditions. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight areas for future research and intervention regarding teacher's preparedness for working with children with chronic health groups and opportunities to improve communication between neuropsychologists and teachers to ultimately improve access to educational supports and overall quality of life of students with chronic health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole Kubinec
- Neuropsychology Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Elizabeth Johnson
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan - Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA
| | - Alice Coffey
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters, University of Michigan - Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA
| | - Kimberley P Heinrich
- Neuropsychology Section, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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Ormiston HE, Husmann PR, Wikel KC, Ruark C, Reisinger DL, Curtin MJ. An Exploratory Study of Educators' Perspectives Towards Hospital School Program Support for Children with Special Health Care Needs After Hospitalization. CONTINUITY IN EDUCATION 2024; 5:31-49. [PMID: 38774599 PMCID: PMC11104305 DOI: 10.5334/cie.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
More than 14 million children in the United States are identified as children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN). Rates of hospitalization for CSHCN with chronic conditions as well as re-admissions have been increasing in recent years. For hospitalized children transitioning back to their school of record, a host of issues may arise such as socioemotional concerns, peer rejection, and being behind in academics. Hospital-based school programs (HBSPs) play an important role in the transition back to a child's school of record. Utilizing a database of inpatient CSHCN at a midwestern children's hospital's HBSP, private and public-school educators associated with the previously hospitalized CSHCN were asked to complete an online survey to gather their perspectives related to the child's transition back to the school of record upon hospital discharge. Overall, educators' perspectives of the HBSP were positive while perceptions related to communication provided by the HBSP were mixed. Educators surveyed reported a lack of training related to working with CSHCN. Finally, accommodations and services offered to students upon return to school focused mostly on academic performance and attendance. Study limitations and implications for practice in schools are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Debra L. Reisinger
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, US
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Capurso M, di Castelbianco FB, Di Renzo M. "My Life in the Hospital": Narratives of Children With a Medical Condition. CONTINUITY IN EDUCATION 2021; 2:4-25. [PMID: 38774894 PMCID: PMC11104414 DOI: 10.5334/cie.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric hospitalization is a common experience that may increase children's sense of isolation and impinge on their social-emotional wellbeing. Educators and medical practitioners could minimize these negative effects of hospitalization if they were able to listen to the voices of the children and, therefore, better meet their needs. This qualitative study provides an overview of how children with a medical condition actively construct and organize their thoughts and feelings about illness, life in hospital, and relationships. We extrapolated from a collection of children's narratives from a previous more comprehensive study (consisting of 379 narratives from children in 29 public hospitals across Italy, age range 3-14 years). Narratives grouped under the headings "Me and my illness" or "Me and the others" were selected and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to identify the richness and complexity of children's experience. Results showed that children's description of their illness was affected both by cognitive and social factors. For children, the concept of feeling ill or well is not linked only to the fact that they are in hospital for a medical condition; rather, it is influenced by their ability to form relationships with others, play, be active, and feel alive within the hospital environment. Listening to narratives can deepen our understanding of children's illness-related experiences and how they make sense of their situation. A set of practice implications are presented to help health professionals and educators to improve their listening capabilities and better prevent adverse pediatric hospitalization outcomes.
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Vanclooster S, Van Hoeck K, Peremans L, Bilsen J, Van Der Werff Ten Bosch J, Laureys G, Paquier P, Jansen A. Reintegration into school of childhood brain tumor survivors: a qualitative study using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – Children and Youth framework. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 43:2610-2620. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1708484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lieve Peremans
- Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Bilsen
- Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Geneviève Laureys
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philippe Paquier
- Center for Linguistics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna Jansen
- Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Vanclooster S, Bilsen J, Peremans L, Van Der Werff Ten Bosch J, Laureys G, Paquier P, Jansen A. Reintegration Into School After Treatment for a Brain Tumor: The Child's Perspective. Glob Pediatr Health 2019; 6:2333794X19860659. [PMID: 31321257 PMCID: PMC6610440 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x19860659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This multiple case study investigated perspectives of childhood brain tumor
survivors on reintegration into school over a 2-year period. Semistructured
interviews were conducted with 5 children at 3 times to obtain an extensive view
of their overall school experience. Thematic analysis of data resulted in 4
themes: “school life and participation,” “peer relations and friendships,”
“performance and difficulties,” and “support and follow-up.” Childhood brain
tumor survivors consider school attendance as part of a normal disease-free
life. Social contact and friendships represent their main motivating factors for
returning to school. Attitudes and feelings regarding performance, difficulties,
and support vary among survivors and change over time. In conclusion, continuity
in learning and social contact established before the return facilitate the
reintegration process. A comprehensive assessment of their academic and
psychosocial functioning should be organized on reentry. Systematic follow-up by
parents, school staff, and health professionals throughout the child’s school
career is required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lieve Peremans
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Philippe Paquier
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anna Jansen
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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6
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Vanclooster S, Bilsen J, Peremans L, Van der Werff Ten Bosch J, Laureys G, Willems E, Genin S, Van Bogaert P, Paquier P, Jansen A. Short-term perspectives of parents and teachers on school reintegration of childhood brain tumour survivors. Dev Neurorehabil 2019; 22:321-328. [PMID: 30015543 DOI: 10.1080/17518423.2018.1498553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To discover short-term changes in perspectives of parents and teachers of childhood brain tumour survivors on school reintegration, in order to reveal similarities and differences between them over time. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents and teachers of five children at the start and the end of a 1-year period following the child's school re-entry. Results: Thematic analysis of data resulted in three main themes: 'the child's performance and wellbeing', 'the school's attitude and approach' and 'communication and working together'. Parental concerns about child-specific changes and the school's approach to the child could either decrease or increase over time. Teachers remained focused on assessing their pupil's learning potential and finding ways of appropriate support. Their different perspectives on communication and working together became more pronounced. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of clear communication and collaboration, coordinated follow-up and availability of healthcare professionals during the child's school reintegration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johan Bilsen
- a Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Lieve Peremans
- a Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium.,b University of Antwerp , Antwerp , Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Sophie Genin
- e Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium
| | | | - Philippe Paquier
- a Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium.,e Université Libre de Bruxelles , Brussels , Belgium.,g Universiteit Antwerpen , Antwerp , Belgium
| | - Anna Jansen
- a Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels , Belgium.,c UZ Brussel , Brussels , Belgium
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7
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Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Communication and Collaboration Following School Reintegration of a Seriously Ill Child: A Literature Review. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-018-9443-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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8
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Vanclooster S, Bilsen J, Peremans L, Van der Werff Ten Bosch J, Laureys G, Willems E, Genin S, Van Bogaert P, Paquier P, Jansen A. Attending school after treatment for a brain tumor: Experiences of children and key figures. J Health Psychol 2017; 24:1436-1447. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105317733534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reintegration into school is a milestone for childhood brain tumor survivors, as well as for their parents, teachers, and healthcare providers. We explored their experiences following the school re-entry by conducting semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis resulted in four main themes: “school performance,” “psychosocial well-being,” “support and approach,” and “communication and collaboration.” Children were pleased to return to school despite confrontation with adverse outcomes. Parents, teachers, and healthcare providers identified current and future concerns and challenges, as well as opportunities for academic and personal development. Their experiences highlight the importance of coordinated and systematic follow-up in close collaboration with healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Vanclooster
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Bilsen
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lieve Peremans
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Geneviève Laureys
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elsie Willems
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie Genin
- Department of Neuropsychology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Van Bogaert
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Paquier
- Department of Neurology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Neurolinguistics, Center for Linguistics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Unit of Translational Neurosciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiteit Antwerpen, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anna Jansen
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Lum A, Wakefield CE, Donnan B, Burns MA, Fardell JE, Marshall GM. Understanding the school experiences of children and adolescents with serious chronic illness: a systematic meta-review. Child Care Health Dev 2017; 43:645-662. [PMID: 28543609 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serious chronic illness can have a detrimental effect on school attendance, participation and engagement, leaving affected students at risk of failing to meet their developmental potential. An improved understanding of factors that help to explain or mitigate this risk can help educators and health professionals deliver the most effective support. This meta-review critiqued the available evidence examining the link between six chronic illnesses (asthma, cancer, chronic kidney diseases, heart diseases, cystic fibrosis and gastrointestinal diseases) and children's and adolescents' school experiences and outcomes, as well as investigating the medical, school, psychosocial and sociodemographic factors that are linked to poorer or better school outcomes. METHODS We searched CINAHL, Cochrane Database, EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, ProQuest Theses and Dissertations, and PsycINFO (2000-2015). Systematic and narrative reviews, and meta-analyses, of original studies examining students' subjective school experiences and objective school outcomes were eligible. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria to critically appraise all systematic reviews. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system guided our recommendations for practice and research. RESULTS Eighteen reviews of 172 studies including more than 40 000 students were eligible. Therefore, we chose to conduct a meta-review to provide an overview of the literature on the relationship between chronic illness and school experiences and outcomes. We also explored the associated medical, school, psychosocial and sociodemographic factors affecting the relationship between illness and school experiences and outcomes. CONCLUSION Students with chronic illness demonstrate mixed school experiences and outcomes that are often worse than students without chronic illness. Modifiable factors, such as students' engagement with school, may be novel yet appropriate targets of educational support to ensure that these students reach their full schooling potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lum
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C E Wakefield
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B Donnan
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ronald McDonald House Charities, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M A Burns
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J E Fardell
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - G M Marshall
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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10
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Siitonen P, Hämeen-Anttila K, Kärkkäinen S, Vainio K. Medication management in comprehensive schools in Finland: teachers’ perceptions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2016; 24:349-57. [DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Many children who take medication require it during school time, and their participation in school activities could depend on it. The aim of this study was to identify whether schools have guidelines for medication management and to explore teachers’ perceptions about medication administration practices and the characteristics affecting these practices using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as the framework.
Methods
A cross-sectional postal survey was conducted in Finland in 2010 covering a representative sample of comprehensive school teachers (n = 1700). The survey included sections on guidelines and practices for medication administration, beliefs about medicines, and background information on the respondent and the respondent’s school. Quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis were used.
Key findings
The response rate was 56% (928/1664). At the national level (macrosystem), teachers reported uncertainty about existing laws and guidelines, while at the local level (exosystem), most of the teachers reported having medication management guidelines (73% primary; 76% lower secondary school). However, a majority described guidelines instructing them not to administer medicines to pupils. Medication management practices were found to differ depending on the province and size of school. At the personal level (microsystem), practices were also affected by teachers’ experience of, and views about, medicines.
Conclusion
No consistent medication administration guidelines exist in Finnish schools. Challenges were identified at all system levels of ecological theory. To ensure proper medication management, school staff need clear and consistent guidance developed in co-operation between different professions, and exploring ways to involve pharmacists in this task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piia Siitonen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Sirpa Kärkkäinen
- School of Applied Educational Science and Teacher Education, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Kirsti Vainio
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Thompson AL, Christiansen HL, Elam M, Hoag J, Irwin MK, Pao M, Voll M, Noll RB, Kelly KP. Academic Continuity and School Reentry Support as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 62 Suppl 5:S805-17. [PMID: 26700927 PMCID: PMC5198902 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Clinicians agree that return to school after diagnosis promotes the positive adjustment of children and adolescents with cancer; however, the school reentry process can present challenges. The aim of this review was to critically evaluate the literature on school reentry support for youth with cancer. Seventeen publications were identified. School reentry services were well-received by families and educators; increased teacher and peer knowledge about childhood cancer; influenced peer and educator attitudes toward the patient; and improved communication and collaboration between patients/families, school, and the healthcare team. Evidence supports a strong recommendation for school reentry support for youth with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Thompson
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
| | | | - Megan Elam
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jennifer Hoag
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Mary Kay Irwin
- School Health Services, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Maryland Pao
- National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Megan Voll
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert B. Noll
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Katherine Patterson Kelly
- Department of Nursing Research and Quality Outcomes, Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC
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12
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Wilson SM, Smith AW, Wildman BG. Teachers’ perceptions of youth with obesity in the classroom. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/1754730x.2015.1074054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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13
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Filce HG, LaVergne L. Absenteeism, educational plans, and anxiety among children with incontinence and their parents. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2015; 85:241-250. [PMID: 25731198 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with incontinence have more absenteeism, poorer academic performance, and potential social difficulties during the school years. These children and their parents are at risk for illness-related anxiety. Whereas educational plans are designed to remediate educational, medical, and social-emotional barriers at school, little research has explored the relationship among absenteeism, educational plans, and anxiety for this population. METHODS Eighty-three families provided demographic information and completed either the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale Second Edition (RCMAS-2) or the Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale (AMAS-A). A multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the relationships among these variables. RESULTS Children with chronic illness resulting in incontinence had greater than expected rates of absenteeism. A high level of absenteeism was a significant predictor of parental anxiety, but not child anxiety. Over one third reported having no plan in place to support the child's needs at school. However, when a plan was present, it had no impact on child or parental anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Absenteeism contributes to familial anxiety and educational difficulties. Despite the potential for educational plans to support these children at school, these plans are underutilized for children with incontinence. This population requires more attention to their academic and social-emotional well-being at school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hollie G Filce
- Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive, No. 5057, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001.
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