Categories
Nevin Manimala Statistics

Psychosocial functioning of parents of Dutch long-term survivors of childhood cancer

Psychooncology. 2022 Nov 25. doi: 10.1002/pon.6069. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe HRQoL, post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic growth of parents of long-term survivors of childhood cancer and study associated factors.

METHODS: Parents of survivors of the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study LATER cohort below 30 years and diagnosed 1986-2001 were invited to complete the TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult’s HRQoL (e.g. sleep and aggressive emotions), Self-Rating Scale for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, and Illness Cognition Questionnaire. HRQoL domain scores were compared to references using Mann-Whitney U tests. Correlations between post-traumatic stress, growth and HRQoL were evaluated. Medical characteristics of their child and illness cognitions were studied as associated factors of HRQOL, post-traumatic stress and growth. P<.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Parents (n=661 of n=448 survivors, 56% female, mean time since child’s diagnosis: 21.3[SD: 3.3] years) reported better HRQoL in social functioning and aggressive emotions than references (r=.08-.17). Mothers additionally reported better HRQoL in pain, daily activities, sexuality, vitality, positive and depressive emotions (r=.07-.14). Post-traumatic stress was symptomatic in 3%, and associated with worse HRQoL (r=-.27-.48). Post-traumatic growth was positively associated to post-traumatic stress and better HRQoL (r=.09-.12). Cancer recurrence was associated to better HRQoL (β=.37-.46). Acceptance illness cognitions were associated to better (β=.12-.25), and helplessness to worse outcomes (β=.14-.38).

CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL of parents of young adult survivors of childhood cancer is comparable to references or slightly better. Only a small proportion reports symptomatic post-traumatic stress. Improving acceptance and reducing feelings of helplessness may provide treatment targets for parents with psychosocial problems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:36426662 | DOI:10.1002/pon.6069

By Nevin Manimala

Portfolio Website for Nevin Manimala