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Fisher RS, Dattilo TM, DeLone AM, Basile NL, Kenney AE, Hill KN, Chang HF, Gerhardt CA, Mullins LL. The study of psychosocial outcomes of parents bereaved by pediatric illness: a scoping review of methodology and sample composition. J Pediatr Psychol 2024; 49:207-223. [PMID: 38423530 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parents of children who died of a medical condition experience a range of psychosocial outcomes. The current scoping review aims to summarize the outcomes assessed, methodology, and sample characteristics of recent psychosocial research conducted with this population. METHODS Included studies were limited to peer-reviewed, psychosocial outcomes research published between August 2011 and August 2022, written in English, and including caregiver study participants of children who died of a medical condition. Data sources were scholarly journal articles from 9 electronic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Primer, ProQuest Research Library, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool-2018 evaluated methodological quality. RESULTS The study sample included 106 studies, most of which were either qualitative (60%) or quantitative (29%). Mixed-methods studies (8%) and randomized clinical trials (2%) were also identified. Study quality was variable, but most studies met all quality criteria (73%). Studies primarily represented cancer populations (58%), White participants (71%), and mothers (66%). Risk-based psychosocial outcomes (e.g., grief) were more commonly assessed than resilience-based outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The current scoping review revealed that recent research assessing the psychosocial outcomes of bereaved parents is limited in the representation of diverse populations, primarily qualitative, of broadly strong methodological quality, and oriented to psychosocial risk. To enhance the state of the science and inform evidence-based psychosocial services, future research should consider varied methodologies to comprehensively assess processes of risk and resilience with demographically and medically diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Fisher
- Department of Psychology, Center for Pediatric Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Taylor M Dattilo
- Department of Psychology, Center for Pediatric Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Alexandra M DeLone
- Department of Psychology, Center for Pediatric Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Nathan L Basile
- Department of Psychology, Center for Pediatric Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Ansley E Kenney
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Kylie N Hill
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Hui-Fen Chang
- William E. Brock Memorial Library, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Larry L Mullins
- Department of Psychology, Center for Pediatric Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
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Himelhoch AC, Olsavsky AL, Darow EL, Lipak KG, Kenney AE, Fisher RS, Prussien KV, Vannatta KA, Compas BE, Gerhardt CA. Cancer-related stress in childhood cancer survivorship: Prevalence and associations with perceptions of health risks and quality of life. Psychooncology 2024; 33:e6253. [PMID: 38009605 PMCID: PMC10841662 DOI: 10.1002/pon.6253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Limited research has characterized cancer-related stress (CRS) among families of childhood cancer survivors. We examined the prevalence of CRS among survivors and caregivers, as well as its association with health risk perceptions (i.e., prognosis, risk for diminished quality of life) and views of survivor quality of life (QoL). METHODS At five years post-diagnosis or relapse, survivors (n = 100; Mage = 15.84 years; 89% White), mothers (n = 127), and fathers (n = 59) reported their CRS. Perceived prognosis and risk for diminished QoL were rated on a 0%-100% visual analogue scale, while the PedsQL assessed QoL. RESULTS CRS was low (M = 1.6-1.8, scale: 1-4); mothers reported greater stress than survivors, p = 0.038, d = 0.25. There was an indirect effect of survivors' perceived prognosis on their QoL through CRS, CI = 0.04 to 0.25, R2 = 0.32. Among mothers, there was an indirect effect of perceived prognosis/risk for diminished QoL on their reports of survivor QoL through CRS, CI = 0.03 to 0.23 and -0.15 to -0.03, R2 = 0.28 and 0.32, respectively. There were no indirect effects among fathers. CONCLUSIONS CRS may be an important, modifiable factor that could improve survivors' QoL. Research is needed to examine how CRS changes over time to assess the utility of interventions among female survivors, mothers, and those with lower prognosis estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C. Himelhoch
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner
Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio,
USA
| | - Anna L. Olsavsky
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner
Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio,
USA
| | - Eva L. Darow
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner
Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio,
USA
| | - Keagan G. Lipak
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner
Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio,
USA
| | - Ansley E. Kenney
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner
Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio,
USA
| | - Rachel S. Fisher
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner
Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio,
USA
| | - Kemar V. Prussien
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt
University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Vannatta
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner
Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio,
USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Bruce E. Compas
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt
University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner
Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio,
USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Tager JB, Kenney AE, Lim PS, Everhart SA, Johaningsmeir S, Balistreri KA, Morgan-Tautges A, Berridge KE, Brophey M, Rothschild CB, Scanlon MC, Davies WH, Lee KJ, Schnell JL. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families of children with medical complexity: A qualitative study of caregivers' experiences. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13187. [PMID: 37855455 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Families of children with medical complexity (CMC) have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing challenges such as decreased access to services, increased financial hardship and increased isolation. However, there are few qualitative studies which explore parental experiences. The aim of the present study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families of CMC. METHODS Caregivers of CMC were recruited from a large hospital in the Midwestern United States. They completed a semistructured qualitative interview assessing the impact of COVID-19 on their child's care, which was analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. RESULTS Twenty caregivers who were predominantly White, married and female participated. Emergent themes included the importance of protecting their child's health to ensure their physical safety, greater social isolation and missed medical services related to concerns about exposure, clinic closures and/or other logistical changes. Participants noted that the convenience of telehealth was a positive outcome of COVID-19 that facilitated care while reducing time and resource challenges. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of protecting the health of CMC through continued safe access to in-person or telehealth services. It is important to prioritise emotional support services for families of CMC as they have experienced increased stress and social isolation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This topic should be explored among diverse families with CMC across multiple healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia B Tager
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Ansley E Kenney
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Paulina S Lim
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Samantha A Everhart
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sarah Johaningsmeir
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | - Kevin E Berridge
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Maura Brophey
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Charles B Rothschild
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Matthew C Scanlon
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - W Hobart Davies
- Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - K Jane Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jessica L Schnell
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Newman AR, Kenney AE, Witkowski E, Karst J, Lerret S, Davies WH, Rothschild CB. Palliative Care Interventions Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Serious Illness: A Scoping Review. Clin Pract Pediatr Psychol 2023; 11:262-273. [PMID: 37753528 PMCID: PMC10519447 DOI: 10.1037/cpp0000486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Objective To map the range of multidisciplinary palliative care interventions that are available to adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with serious illness. Methods Scoping review methodology as outlined by Arksey and O'Malley. Results Twenty-two articles describing nine specific AYA-focused, multidisciplinary palliative care interventions were included in this review. Interventions focused on supporting advance care planning (ACP), facilitating treatment decision making, managing pain, and promoting resilience, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life. Interventions were delivered face-to-face and via different eHealth platforms and were targeted to AYAs with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and cystic fibrosis in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Conclusions Few evidence-based multidisciplinary palliative care interventions have documented benefit for AYAs with serious illness. The limited work that has been done demonstrates that AYAs are open to engaging in palliative care interventions and suggests that individual members of the multidisciplinary team can implement these different interventions to support enhanced patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Newman
- Marquette University College of Nursing
- Children’s Wisconsin, Department of Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice
| | | | | | - Jeffrey Karst
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | - Stacee Lerret
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin
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5
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Stanek C, Garcia D, Olsavsky AL, Hill KN, Himelhoch AC, Kenney AE, Humphrey L, Olshefski R, Gerhardt CA, Nahata L. Communication within families about advanced pediatric cancer: A qualitative study. Palliat Support Care 2022:1-8. [PMID: 36573009 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522001705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This qualitative study examined how families share information and feelings about advanced pediatric cancer from the perspective of both parents and children, as well as how these perspectives vary by child developmental stage. METHODS Participants (24 mothers, 20 fathers, 23 youth [children and adolescents]) were from a larger longitudinal study at an academic pediatric hospital. Eligible youth had advanced cancer (physician-estimated prognosis of <60%, relapse, or refractory disease), were aged 5-19 years (>8 years old to participate independently), had an English-speaking parent, and lived within 140 miles of the hospital. Interviews were completed at enrollment and asked how families share information and emotions about the child's cancer as a family. RESULTS Saturation was reached at 20 interviews for mothers, fathers, and youth. Analyses revealed 4 major themes: (A) parents managing cancer-related information based on child age/developmental stage and processing styles of family members; (B) parents withholding poor prognosis information and emotions to maintain positivity; (C) lack of personal and familial emotion sharing; and (D) emotion sharing among their family and externally. Both parents and youth endorsed themes A, C, and D, but only parents endorsed theme B. Adolescents endorsed more themes than children. Parents of children (as opposed to adolescents) endorsed theme A more. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Although both parents and youth with advanced cancer were generally willing to talk about treatment, emotions were not consistently shared. Perspectives varied depending on the child's developmental stage. Clinicians should assess parent and child information and emotion-sharing needs and provide individualized support to families regarding communication about advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charis Stanek
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dana Garcia
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anna L Olsavsky
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kylie N Hill
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alexandra C Himelhoch
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ansley E Kenney
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lisa Humphrey
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Randal Olshefski
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Leena Nahata
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
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Kenney AE, Tutelman PR, Fisher RS, Lipak KG, Barrera M, Gilmer MJ, Fairclough D, Akard TF, Compas BE, Davies B, Hogan NS, Vannatta K, Gerhardt CA. Impact of End-of-Life Circumstances on the Adjustment of Bereaved Siblings of Children Who Died from Cancer. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2022; 29:230-238. [PMID: 34173900 PMCID: PMC8710186 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-021-09797-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the impact of end-of-life (EoL) circumstances on grief and internalizing symptoms among bereaved siblings. Bereaved families (N = 88) were recruited from three sites 3-12 months (M = 11.57, SD = 3.48) after their child's death from cancer. One sibling per family aged 8-17 years (M = 12.41, SD = 2.64) was randomly selected to participate. Families completed measures of siblings' grief and internalizing symptoms, as well as a structured interview about circumstances surrounding the death. Mother and sibling reports of EoL circumstances were generally concordant, except there was a discrepancy between mothers and children about whether or not children expected their sibling's death (t(75) = 1.52, p = .018). Mother reports of sibling internalizing symptoms were above the normative mean (t(83) = 4.44, p ≤ .001 (M = 56.01 ± 12.48), with 39% (n = 33) in the borderline/clinical range. Sibling opportunity to say goodbye was associated with greater grief-related growth (t(79) = - 1.95, p = .05). Presence at the death and wishing they had done something differently were both associated with greater grief (t(80) = - 2.08, p = .04 and t(80) = - 2.24, p = .028, respectively) and grief-related growth (t(80) = - 2.01, p = .048 and t(80) = - 2.31, p = .024, respectively). However, findings were primarily unique to sibling report, with few mother-reported effects. The adjustment of bereaved siblings may be affected by certain modifiable circumstances surrounding the death of their brother or sister. A proportion of bereaved siblings had elevated internalizing symptoms irrespective of circumstances at EoL. Further work is needed to understand predictors of adjustment among bereaved siblings to provide better support and optimize their outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansley E. Kenney
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Rachel S. Fisher
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Keagan G. Lipak
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maru Barrera
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada,University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mary Jo Gilmer
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Bruce E. Compas
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Nancy S. Hogan
- Professor Emerita, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathryn Vannatta
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Kenney AE, Bedoya SZ, Gerhardt CA, Young-Saleme T, Wiener L. End of life communication among caregivers of children with cancer: A qualitative approach to understanding support desired by families. Palliat Support Care 2021; 19:715-722. [PMID: 33641691 PMCID: PMC8408277 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521000067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinicians and parents are encouraged to have open and honest communication about end of life with children with cancer, yet there remains limited research in this area. We examined family communication and preferred forms of support among bereaved caregivers of children with cancer. METHODS Bereaved caregivers were recruited through a closed social media group to complete an online survey providing retrospective reports of end of life communication with their child and preferences for communication support from health-care providers. The sample of 131 participants was mostly female (77.9%; n = 102) with an average age of 49.15 (SD = 8.03) years. Deceased children were of an average age of 12.42 years (SD = 6.01) and nearly 90% of children died within 5 years of diagnosis. RESULTS Most caregivers spoke with their child about their prognosis (61.8%; n = 131) and death (66.7%; n = 99). Half of children (48%; n = 125) asked about death, particularly older children (51.9% ≥12 years; p = 0.03). Asking about dying was related to having conversations about prognosis (p ≤ 0.001) and death (p ≤ 0.001). Most caregivers (71.8%; n = 94) wanted support to talk to their children. Fewer wanted providers to speak to children directly (12.2%; n = 16) or to be present while caregivers spoke to the child (19.8%; n = 26). Several themes emerged from a content analysis of open-ended responses regarding preferences for provider support. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Most caregivers discussed issues pertaining to end of life irrespective of demographic or medical factors. Qualitative themes provide insight into support desired by families to help with these difficult conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansley E Kenney
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Sima Zadeh Bedoya
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Tammi Young-Saleme
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Lori Wiener
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Howe MM, Feldman ECH, Lampert SL, Kenney AE, Davies WH, Greenley RN. Caregiver perceptions of importance of COVID-19 preventative health guidelines and difficulty following guidelines are associated with child adherence rates. Fam Syst Health 2021; 39:632-637. [PMID: 34735209 DOI: 10.1037/fsh0000641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe child adherence to four preventative-health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate caregiver-level correlates of adherence. METHOD Two hundred thirty-six caregivers (75% female) of children ages 6-12 years (Mage = 8 years; 53% male) living in the United States rated child adherence to four preventative-health guidelines between 10/16/2020 and 11/14/2020. Caregivers also rated perceived importance of each guideline in limiting virus spread and perceived difficulty in obtaining child compliance. RESULTS Child adherence was highest for mask-wearing (median [Mdn] = 96%) and hand hygiene (Mdn = 95%). Adherence to social distancing guidelines was lower. Mdn adherence for social distancing with family outside the household was 80%, and Mdn adherence for social distancing with friends was 72%. Furthermore, for each of the four guidelines, fewer than half the sample reported 100% adherence (range = 20%-43%). Adherence was positively associated with caregiver perceptions of importance of a given behavior in limiting virus spread (rs = .38-.62) and negatively associated with perceived difficulty in gaining child compliance (rs = -.37-.25). DISCUSSION Current results indicated parents perceive child adherence to social distancing more challenging than child adherence to mask wearing or hand hygiene. Lower caregiver perceptions of importance of the behavior and greater perceived difficulty in gaining child compliance were associated with lower adherence to all tasks. Brief targeted interventions (e.g., motivational interviewing, parent behavior management training) may be well suited to enhance caregivers' perceptions of value of the behavior, while also addressing behavioral challenges that interfere with child adherence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan M Howe
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
| | - Estée C H Feldman
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
| | - Sara L Lampert
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
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9
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Fisher RS, Kenney AE, Fults MZ, Manring S, Rodriguez EM, Desjardins L, Rausch JR, Young-Saleme T, Ranalli MA, Vannatta K, Compas BE, Gerhardt CA. Longitudinal understanding of prognosis among adolescents with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28826. [PMID: 33320998 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite calls to increase prognosis communication for adolescents with cancer, limited research has examined their perceptions of prognosis as compared with their parents. We assessed adolescents' understanding of their prognosis relative to parents and oncologists. METHODS Families of adolescents (aged 10-17) were recruited at two pediatric institutions following a new diagnosis or relapse. Seventy-four adolescents, 68 mothers, and 40 fathers participated at enrollment; 76 adolescents, 69 mothers, and 35 fathers participated one year later. The adolescent's primary oncologist reported on prognosis only at enrollment. Participants rated the likelihood of the adolescent's survival in five years, as well as reporting prognosis communication and sources of information. RESULTS Most oncologists (65%) and fathers (63%) discussed prognosis in numerical terms with the adolescent at baseline, which was greater than mother report (49%) of discussions of numerical prognosis with adolescents. Adolescents reported a better prognosis than oncologists, but comparable with mothers at diagnosis and one year. Adolescents' prognosis estimates were stable over time (P > .05). At diagnosis, adolescent-father (P = 0.025) and adolescent-oncologist (P < 0.001) discrepancies were larger for youth with advanced than non-advanced cancer. Adolescents whose parents received numerical prognosis estimates from the oncologist, and whose fathers reported providing numerical prognosis estimates had more accurate understandings of prognosis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Adolescent prognosis estimates were comparable with those of parents at diagnosis and one year but more favorable than that of oncologists. Although additional research is needed, results suggest discrepancies in prognosis estimates between family members and oncologists, particularly for adolescents with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Fisher
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ansley E Kenney
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Marci Z Fults
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Samantha Manring
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Erin M Rodriguez
- Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | | | - Joseph R Rausch
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Tammi Young-Saleme
- Division of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mark A Ranalli
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Division of Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kathryn Vannatta
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Bruce E Compas
- Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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10
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Schaefer MR, Kenney AE, Himelhoch AC, Howard Sharp KM, Humphrey L, Olshefski R, Young-Saleme T, Gerhardt CA. A quest for meaning: A qualitative exploration among children with advanced cancer and their parents. Psychooncology 2020; 30:546-553. [PMID: 33230868 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Meaning-making may assist individuals in adaptation to stressful life events, particularly bereavement. However, few studies have examined meaning-making among pediatric populations with advanced illness to understand how this process unfolds before the child's death. This study explores meaning-making pre-bereavement among children with advanced cancer and their parents. METHODS As part of a larger study examining shared decision-making near the end of life, 24 children with advanced cancer and/or high-risk cancer, 26 mothers, and 11 fathers participated in individual, semi-structured interviews. Analyses focused on questions regarding meaning-making. Four coders analyzed the data via directed content analysis. RESULTS Three major meaning-making themes emerged: (1) sense-making (i.e., unknown, no sense/meaning, religious/spiritual explanations, scientific explanations), (2) benefit-finding, and (3) purpose/legacy. Some stated they were unable to make sense of the diagnosis, because there was no reason, they were not there yet, or they were dealing with the situation and moving forward. Others reported finding meaning through spiritual and scientific explanations. Many identified benefits related to the child's illness, such as personal growth and stronger relationships. Some parents expressed their purpose in life was to live for their children, while others shared their child's legacy as a way to find meaning. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the struggle children and parents often face when attempting to make sense of the child's advanced or high-risk illness. Clinicians might consider if meaning-centered interventions designed for use in adults at the end of life and bereaved parents may be helpful for children with advanced or high-risk cancer and their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ansley E Kenney
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | | | - Lisa Humphrey
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Randal Olshefski
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tammi Young-Saleme
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Cox LE, Kenney AE, Harman JL, Jurbergs N, Molnar AE, Willard VW. Psychosocial Functioning of Young Children Treated for Cancer: Findings From a Clinical Sample. J Pediatr Oncol Nurs 2018; 36:17-23. [DOI: 10.1177/1043454218813905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Many pediatric cancers are diagnosed in early childhood, a time of significant growth and development that lays the foundations for overall adjustment and functioning. The objective of this article was to characterize the psychosocial functioning of young children with cancer. Method: Data from a sample of young children with cancer ( N = 92) who completed a psychological evaluation that included the Behavior Assessment Scale for Children–second edition (BASC-2) parent report were abstracted from the medical record. Patients were primarily White (70.7%), male (54.3%), and 4.81 ± 0.89 years old at evaluation. Most were treated for brain tumors (64.1%). Results: Overall group means on each of the BASC-2 subscales were within normal limits, though significantly more patients than expected had elevated scores on the Internalizing and Behavioral Symptoms indexes. Patients who were on-treatment had higher mean overall Internalizing Problems scores, as well as greater Anxiety and Somatization scores, than those who were off-treatment (Wilks’s λ = 0.75, p < .001). Patients treated for brain tumors had lower mean Activities of Daily Living scores than those with other diagnoses ( F = 15.81, p < .001). Conclusions: Findings from this clinically referred sample indicate that while most young children with cancer are doing well psychosocially, approximately 20% to 30% demonstrated difficulties in at least one area. Findings support the need for monitoring of young children with cancer as well as appropriate intervention services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Cox
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ansley E. Kenney
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Niki Jurbergs
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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Brainerd CJ, Reyna VF, Petersen RC, Smith GE, Kenney AE, Gross CJ, Taub ES, Plassman BL, Fisher GG. The apolipoprotein E genotype predicts longitudinal transitions to mild cognitive impairment but not to Alzheimer's dementia: findings from a nationally representative study. Neuropsychology 2013; 27:86-94. [PMID: 23356599 DOI: 10.1037/a0030855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype is the most widely accepted genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's dementia (AD), but findings on whether it is a risk factor for the AD prodrome, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), have been inconsistent. In a prospective longitudinal design, we investigated (a) whether transitions to MCI and other forms of neurocognitive impairment without dementia (CIND) are more frequent among normal ε4 carriers than among noncarriers and (b) whether subsequent transitions to AD from MCI and from other forms of CIND are more frequent among ε4 carriers than among noncarriers. METHOD The frequency of the ε4 allele was studied in older adults (mean age > 70), who had participated in two or more waves of neuropsychological testing and diagnosis in the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (ADAMS) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging's Health and Retirement Study, conducted by the University of Michigan. The association between ε4 and longitudinal transitions to specific types of CIND and dementia can be determined with this data set. RESULTS Epsilon 4 increased the rate of progression from normal functioning to MCI (58% of new diagnoses were carriers) but not to other forms of CIND. The rate of progression to AD from MCI or from other forms of CIND was not increased by ε4. CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis that ε4 is a risk factor for transitions from normal functioning to MCI but not for subsequent transitions to AD. In the ADAMS sample, the reason ε4 is elevated in AD individuals is because it is already elevated in MCI individuals, who are the primary source of new AD diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Brainerd
- Department of Human Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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