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Social adjustment of adolescent cancer patients transitioning off active treatment: A short-term prospective mixed methods study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019 Mar;66(3):e27530

Date

11/15/2018

Pubmed ID

30426663

DOI

10.1002/pbc.27530

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85056375145 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   8 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial follow-up in survivorship is a standard of care in pediatric oncology; however, little is known about patients' psychosocial functioning during the transition off active treatment, a unique time in the cancer journey. This study examined the social adjustment of adolescent cancer patients during this transition period, which has been understudied to date.

PROCEDURE: Participants were 21 patients (ages 12-18 years; age M = 14.71 years; 62% female, 81% White) with various cancer diagnoses. Patients and their parents completed the Social Competence subscale of the Youth Self-Report (YSR) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), respectively, PedsQL Social Functioning subscale, and a semistructured interview 1-2 months prior to ending treatment (time 1) and 3-7 months after ending treatment (time 2).

RESULTS: YSR and CBCL social competence scores were within the normal range at both time points. PedsQL social functioning scores were more consistent with norms for pediatric cancer samples at time 1 and norms for healthy children at time 2, with self-reported scores significantly improving from time 1 to time 2. A subset of patients had elevated social concerns at time 1, a number that decreased by time 2. Interviews revealed both positive and negative themes related to peer relationships and support, quantity of friends, and socialization.

CONCLUSIONS: Most adolescent cancer patients are socially well adjusted as they transition off treatment, although a subset have elevated concerns. Interviews provide insight into complex social experiences not captured on questionnaires. Patients may benefit from screening and support during this unique time.

Author List

Chan SF, Hoag JA, Karst JS, Bingen KM

Authors

Kristin M. Bingen PhD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jennifer A. Hoag PhD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jeffrey S. Karst PhD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Child
Combined Modality Therapy
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Neoplasms
Prognosis
Prospective Studies
Quality of Life
Self Report
Social Adjustment
Surveys and Questionnaires
Survivors