A prospective study of family predictors of health‐related quality of life in pediatric brain tumor survivors. Issue 6 (19th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quast, Lauren F.; Phillips, Peter C.; Li, Yimei; Kazak, Anne E.; Barakat, Lamia P.; Hocking, Matthew C.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric blood & cancer. Volume 65:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-01-19
• Subjects: brain tumor -- family functioning -- quality of life; Tumors in children -- Periodicals; Blood -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Cancer in children -- Periodicals; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26976
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1545-5009

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The objective of this study was to examine prospectively the associations between family functioning at the end of tumor‐directed treatment and the health‐related quality of life (HRQL) of pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTSs) approximately 9 months later. Procedure: Thirty‐five PBTS (age 6–16 years) and their mothers completed measures of family functioning and survivor HRQL within 5 months of completing tumor‐directed therapy (baseline) and again approximately 9 months later (follow‐up). Results: Survivor‐rated general family functioning at baseline significantly predicted mother proxy‐ and self‐reported survivor HRQL at follow‐up when controlling for survivor HRQL at baseline and relevant demographic and treatment‐related variables. Conclusions: Family functioning is a key factor contributing to survivor HRQL and should be screened throughout the course of tumor‐directed treatment. Psychosocial interventions directed toward improving general family functioning may improve survivor well‐being following the completion of treatment.