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Wilharm C, Pralong A, Weiss M, Hallek M, Voltz R, Tuchscherer A, Simon ST. Facing life-threat during youth: a qualitative study on challenges, coping, and needs among adolescents and young adults with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2024; 32:179. [PMID: 38383874 PMCID: PMC10881674 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-024-08370-0] [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] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE While the unique situation of adolescents and young adults with cancer (AYAs) has become the focus of research and clinical practice, little is known about how they deal with the threat to life at a curative stage. The aim of this study was to obtain insight into the challenges, coping strategies, and needs of AYAs regarding the life-threatening nature of their diseases. METHODS Face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with patients who were 18-39 years old at diagnosis. The interviews took place 2-5 years after their diagnosis. Patients who were still undergoing treatment or who were suspected of recurrence were excluded. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Fifteen patients (mean age 27.33 years, nine females) were interviewed in a large comprehensive cancer center in Germany. Before diagnosis, AYAs had not faced their own mortality and had little experience with cancer. The sudden confrontation with a life-threatening disease and therapy, as well as experiencing the death of other AYAs, challenged them. Fear, particularly regarding recurrence and death, and the loss of trust in their own bodies were the major emotions that continued to limit them even after the end of treatment. For mothers, concern of leaving their young children alone was paramount. Coping strategies frequently mentioned were hope, avoidance, self-soothing, and valuing the experience as a chance. Health care professionals were expected to be reassuring, motivating, and open and to provide honest information based on individual and current needs. CONCLUSION AYAs appear to cope with life-threats similarly to older patients but have additional unique challenges, including inexperience with life-threatening diseases and responsibility for young children. More research is needed in this area, although it is already evident that AYAs need honest and reassuring communication regarding the life-threat during any curable phases of their disease. Trial registration number DRKS00030277; September 27, 2022 (German Clinical Trials Register).
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Wilharm
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anne Pralong
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mara Weiss
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Center for Integrated Oncology Cologne Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (ABCD), University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Raymond Voltz
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Center for Integrated Oncology Cologne Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (ABCD), University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Center for Health Services Research (ZVFK), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Armin Tuchscherer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Center for Integrated Oncology Cologne Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (ABCD), University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany
| | - Steffen T Simon
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Center for Integrated Oncology Cologne Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (ABCD), University of Cologne, Kerpener Street 62, 50937, Cologne, Germany.
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Wurz A, Petrella A, Tulk J, Sabiston CM, Schulte F, Bender J, D’Agostino N, Hou SHJ, Eaton G, Chalifour K, Garland SN. Describing and Exploring Coping Strategies among Those Diagnosed with Cancer as an Adolescent or Young Adult: A YACPRIME Study. Curr Oncol 2024; 31:685-692. [PMID: 38392044 PMCID: PMC10888435 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol31020050] [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] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A greater understanding of how young people cope with a cancer diagnosis is needed in order to inform age-appropriate supportive care. This paper describes the coping strategies used and explores relationships between coping strategies and personal, medical, and psychological variables among young adults (YAs) diagnosed with cancer. YAs (n = 547, mean age = 34.05 ± 6.00 years) completed an online survey, including the Brief COPE and measures of psychological functioning. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were computed. Acceptance, self-distraction, positive reframing, and planning were the most used coping strategies by this sample. There were small (r = -0.09) to large (r = 0.51) significant relationships between personal, medical, and psychological variables and selected coping strategies. Coping with a cancer diagnosis early in life remains poorly understood. Identifying additional correlates and exploring inter- and intrapersonal variation in coping strategy use is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Wurz
- School of Kinesiology, University of the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, BC V2S 7M7, Canada;
| | - Anika Petrella
- Cancer Clinical Trials Unit, University College Hospital, London NW1 2BU, UK;
| | - Joshua Tulk
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
| | - Catherine M. Sabiston
- Department of Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5R 0A3, Canada;
| | - Fiona Schulte
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (F.S.); (S.H.J.H.)
| | - Jackie Bender
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (J.B.)
| | - Norma D’Agostino
- Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (J.B.)
| | - Sharon H. J. Hou
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (F.S.); (S.H.J.H.)
- Department of Psychology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Geoff Eaton
- Young Adult Cancer Canada, St. John’s, NL A1B 3K3, Canada
| | | | - Sheila N. Garland
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
- Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
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Phan J, Laurence V, Marec-Berard P, Cordero C, Riberon C, Flahault C. The Place of Sick Peers in Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: Advantage, Disadvantage, and What Makes Barriers to the Encounter. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:879-889. [PMID: 36999900 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The appreciation of peer support can vary from one country to another due to the cultural and relational differences. This study explores what perceptions French adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in post-treatment for cancer have of the place of sick peers during their treatment and what can make barriers to meet them. Methods: A semistructured interview has been proposed 6 months after the end of cancer treatments. A thematic analysis has been conducted to highlight the major themes and subthemes identified through the participants' discourses. Results: Twelve AYAs (mean age 23 y.o., standard deviation = 2.8; min = 19; max = 26) from two French cancer centers were interviewed. Five major themes were identified, but only two were presented in this article: the place of peers and the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic on AYA facilities. AYA peers with cancer major theme demonstrated that meeting sick peers has benefits (e.g., identification, understanding, support, feeling of normalcy) but also has disadvantages (e.g., negative emotional influence). The benefits of peer-to-peer meetings seem to outweigh the disadvantages. Nevertheless, AYAs can face social barriers to this kind of relationship (e.g., fatigue, need to focus on oneself, confrontation to cancer and negative events, feeling of unnatural meeting). Finally, patients' encounters and the normal functioning of AYA facilities have been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Even if AYA services systematically suggest a meeting with other sick peers, it is important to reiterate this proposal since the needs can evolve over time. It can also be interesting to propose places of life outside the hospital to make the encounters more comfortable and natural for AYAs. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT03964116.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Phan
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France
- Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Curie Institute, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Laurence
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France
- Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Medical Oncology and SIREDO (Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Cancer) Departments, Curie Institute, Paris, France
| | - Perrine Marec-Berard
- Pediatrics and Adolescents and Young Adults Oncology Department, Institute of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology, Lyon, France
| | - Camille Cordero
- Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Medical Oncology and SIREDO (Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Cancer) Departments, Curie Institute, Paris, France
| | - Christèle Riberon
- Pediatrics and Adolescents and Young Adults Oncology Department, Institute of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology, Lyon, France
| | - Cécile Flahault
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France
- Psycho-Oncology Unit, Gustave Roussy Hospital, Villejuif, France
- Functional Unit of Psychology and Liaison Psychiatry and Emergency, Adult and Elderly Psychiatry Service, George Pompidou European Hospital, Paris, France
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Ng DQ, Ritt-Olson A, Freyer DR, Miller KA, Thomas SM, Milam J, Chan A. Substance Use Among Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer With Cognitive Impairment: An Analysis of the Project Forward Cohort. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:e345-e354. [PMID: 36508698 PMCID: PMC10022886 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCSs) are often impacted by cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and psychological distress. Using the Project Forward Cohort, we evaluated the relationship between CRCI and substance use behaviors. METHODS YACCSs were surveyed between 2015 and 2018 (N = 1,106, female = 50.8%, Hispanic = 51.5%, median age = 25.5 years). Associations between CRCI and substance use (tobacco, binge drinking, marijuana, prescription drug misuse, and e-cigarette/vaporizer) were examined in multivariate logistic or log-binomial regressions, adjusting for child at diagnosis (0-14 years), years since diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, cancer type, and treatment intensity. Mediation analysis was performed to determine opportunities for interventions. RESULTS CRCI was reported by 144 (13.0%) survivors. The highest prevalence was observed in CNS cancers (25.4%) and leukemia (13.3%) survivors. After covariate adjustment, CRCI was associated with 2.26 times the odds of prior 30-day vaping (95% CI, 1.24 to 4.11; P = .007). Mediators with significant indirect effects in the CRCI-vaping relationship include depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) and having two or more cancer-related late effects (P < .05). CONCLUSION CRCI among YACCSs was associated with reports of vaping. Oncologists should screen for vaping behavior if CRCI is apparent. Increasing access to long-term follow-up clinics, addressing physical and mental health issues, and monitoring and educating on vaping and other substance use behaviors is recommended to improve the long-term health of YACCSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Quan Ng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Anamara Ritt-Olson
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - David R. Freyer
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kimberly A. Miller
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Stefanie M. Thomas
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Joel Milam
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Alexandre Chan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
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Phan J, Vander Haegen M, Karsenti L, Laurence V, Marec-Berard P, Cordero C, Thisse A, Riberon C, Flahault C. Psychological Adjustment, Adaptation, and Perception of Social Support in French Adolescents and Young Adults After the Diagnosis of Cancer. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2022. [PMID: 36067271 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The third Cancer Plan (2014-2019) has helped with the recognition of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer's medical and psychosocial specificities and has enabled the creation of dedicated structures in France. Methods: The study involved 43 AYA patients (Nmen = 21; Nwomen = 22) between 15 and 27 years old (Mage = 19.9), diagnosed with all types of cancer, and were recruited in two French cancer centers. Online questionnaires were filled in 2 months after the beginning of treatment. AYAs completed measures of depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived social support, and coping strategies. Results: Results demonstrated moderate depressive symptoms (M = 10.7, standard deviation [SD] = 7.0) and suggested a good satisfaction (M = 30, SD = 9.5) and a mild availability (M = 27, SD = 10.3) of the social support. Spearman's correlations demonstrated that coping strategies are related to depressive symptoms, for which acceptance (p < 0.01) of the disease played a key role in their psychological adjustment. Perceived social support subscales were positively correlated with the use of distraction as a coping strategy (p < 0.05). Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated the preferential use of instrumental (p < 0.05) and emotional support (p < 0.01), denial (p < 0.01), and self-blame (p < 0.01) for women and the use of acceptance (p < 0.05) and humor (p < 0.05) for men; and there were no significant differences between patients hospitalized in the two cancer center facilities. Conclusion: Finally, a better understanding of the psychological adjustment and processes among French AYAs with cancer will help families and processionals to better adjust AYA-specific needs at the beginning of cancer treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov.: NCT03964116.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Phan
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, UR 4057, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France.,Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Curie Institute, Paris, France
| | - Marie Vander Haegen
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, UR 4057, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France.,Unit of Research: Health and Society Interfaculty, Liège University, Liège, Belgium.,Haute École Léonard de Vinci, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucille Karsenti
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, UR 4057, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France.,Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Curie Institute, Paris, France.,Psycho-Oncology Unit, Gustave Roussy Hospital, Villejuif, France
| | - Valérie Laurence
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, UR 4057, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France.,Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Medical Oncology and SIREDO (Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer) Departments, Curie Institute, Paris, France
| | - Perrine Marec-Berard
- Pediatrics and Adolescents and Young Adults Oncology Department, Institute of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology, Lyon, France
| | - Camille Cordero
- Adolescents and Young Adults Unit, Medical Oncology and SIREDO (Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer) Departments, Curie Institute, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Thisse
- Pediatrics and Adolescents and Young Adults Oncology Department, Institute of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology, Lyon, France
| | - Christèle Riberon
- Pediatrics and Adolescents and Young Adults Oncology Department, Institute of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology, Lyon, France
| | - Cécile Flahault
- Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, UR 4057, Paris Cité University, Boulogne Billancourt, France.,Psycho-Oncology Unit, Gustave Roussy Hospital, Villejuif, France.,Functional Unit of Psychology and Liaison Psychiatry and Emergency, Adult and Elderly Psychiatry Service, George Pompidou European Hospital, Paris, France
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Phan J, Laurence V, Marec-Berard P, Cordero C, Riberon C, Flahault C. La confrontation au deuil d’un pair chez une AJA atteinte de cancer. Une analyse phénoménologique interprétative. PSYCHO-ONCOLOGIE 2022. [DOI: 10.3166/pson-2022-0197] [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]
Abstract
Objectif : Les adolescents et jeunes adultes (AJA) atteints de cancer faisant face à la perte d’un autre AJA malade peuvent être confrontés à une « triple tâche » : le processus d’adolescence, l’ajustement psychologique au cancer et la mort d’un pair malade. L’objectif de l’étude a été d’explorer les processus sous-jacents à la perte d’un pair malade chez les AJA atteints de cancer.
Matériel et méthodes : Un entretien unique a été soumis à une Analyse phénoménologique interprétative (IPA), conçu pour comprendre le système de significations attaché à un phénomène subjectif et intime tel que le deuil.
Résultats : L’IPA a fait émerger six thèmes majeurs : le parcours de vie ; le parcours de soins ; les représentations du cancer, de soi et du monde ; l’ajustement psychologique au cancer ; les relations interpersonnelles ainsi que la perte d’un pair AJA malade. Le récit interprétatif montre la place centrale du processus d’identification aux pairs malades, notamment au défunt, dans la mise en sens du cancer et du deuil. Cette expérience du deuil d’un pair comporte des aspects négatifs (e.g., perspective de sa propre mort, perte de repère, peur de la rechute) et positifs (e.g., sentiment de continuité avec le défunt, changement de perception de soi et du monde).
Conclusion : L’étude montre l’importance de considérer ces processus dans l’accompagnement des AJA atteints de cancer confrontés à la mort d’un pair malade et de proposer des interventions adaptées à cette tranche d’âge.
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Koehler M, Hoppe S, Kropf S, Lux A, Bartsch R, Holzner B, Krauter J, Florschütz A, Jentsch-Ullrich K, Frommer J, Flechtner HH, Fischer T. Randomized Trial of a Supportive Psychotherapy for Parents of Adolescents and Young Adults With Hematologic Malignancies. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2022; 20:jnccn20614. [PMID: 35405661 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2021.7075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer regularly disrupts health and developmental trajectories in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Parents have been shown to have a substantial impact on the health and cancer survivorship activities of AYA patients in the form of symptom management. However, no randomized controlled trial has evaluated a coping support intervention (CSI) program for parents of AYAs with cancer aged 18 to 40 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS From November 30, 2012, to August 29, 2016, parents of AYAs with hematologic malignancies were randomized in a phase III controlled trial (1:1 ratio, stratified sampling) to either the research-based CSI AYA-Parents group (CSI group; n=82) or the standard care (SC) group (n=70). CSI consisted of 5 sessions to achieve the enhancement of parental adaptive coping as the primary outcome (per the adaptive coping scale of the 28-item Brief COPE, a validated multidimensional self-assessment-questionnaire recommended for clinical cancer research). Measures of adaptive coping, depression, and mental health were collected at pre-CSI (measurement date T1), at the end of the intervention sessions (measurement date T2), and at follow-up (3 months). We calculated mean change scores in outcomes and estimated intervention effect sizes (Cohen's d) for changes from T1 to T2/T3, with 0.2 indicating a small effect, 0.5 a medium effect, and 0.8 a large effect. All statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS In the intention-to-treat analysis, the CSI group significantly improved their adaptive coping compared with the SC group (95% CI, 0.30-2.54; P=.013; d=0.405), whereas adaptive coping in the SC group deteriorated. The CSI group also experienced a significant decrease in depressive symptoms and improved mental health with clinical significance (95% CI, -1.98 to -0.30; P=.008; d=0.433, and 95% CI, -0.19 to 3.97; P=.074; d=0.292, respectively). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the main intention-to-treat analysis. CONCLUSIONS CSI improved effectively adaptive coping and depression in parents of AYAs with hematologic malignancies. It may represent a novel family-based approach in AYA oncology care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Koehler
- 1Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Magdeburg.,2Gesundheitscampus Immunologie, Infektiologie und Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Center, and
| | - Susanne Hoppe
- 1Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Magdeburg.,2Gesundheitscampus Immunologie, Infektiologie und Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Center, and
| | - Siegfried Kropf
- 3Institute for Biometry and Medical Informatics, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anke Lux
- 3Institute for Biometry and Medical Informatics, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Bartsch
- 1Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Magdeburg.,2Gesundheitscampus Immunologie, Infektiologie und Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Center, and
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- 4Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Juergen Krauter
- 5Department of Hematology and Oncology, Braunschweig Municipal Hospital, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Axel Florschütz
- 6Department of Internal Medicine, Dessau Municipal Hospital, Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | | | - Joerg Frommer
- 8Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Magdeburg, and
| | - Hans-Henning Flechtner
- 9Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Fischer
- 1Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Magdeburg.,2Gesundheitscampus Immunologie, Infektiologie und Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Center, and
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Lu HJ, Wang XR, Liu YY, Chang L. Disease Prevalence and Fatality, Life History Strategies, and Behavioral Control of the COVID Pandemic. EVOLUTIONARY PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2021; 8:20-29. [PMID: 34777951 PMCID: PMC8576458 DOI: 10.1007/s40806-021-00306-9] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise and raised many questions. One of the questions is whether infectious diseases indeed drive fast life history (LH) as the extent research suggests. This paper challenges this assumption and raises a different perspective. We argue that infectious diseases enact either slower or faster LH strategies and the related disease control behavior depending on disease severity. We tested and supported the theorization based on a sample of 662 adult residents drawn from all 32 provinces and administrative regions of mainland China. The findings help to broaden LH perspectives and to better understand unusual social phenomena arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jing Lu
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xin Rui Wang
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Yuan Yuan Liu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
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