Developing the Evidence Base in Pediatric Oncology Nursing Practice for Promoting Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Oncology Patients. (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cantrell, Mary Ann; Conte, Teresa M.; Hudson, Melissa M.; Ruble, Kathy; Herth, Kaye; Shad, Aziza; Canino, Alyssa
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric oncology nursing. Volume 34:Number 2(2017:Mar./Apr.)
• Page Start: 90
• Page End: 97
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: survivorship -- adolescents and young adults -- quality of life -- psychosocial; Cancer in children -- Periodicals; Pediatric nursing -- Periodicals; 618.92994
• DOI: 10.1177/1043454216669678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-4542

Abstract

Research has shown that self-esteem and hopefulness are positively related among female childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and contribute to their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). HRQOL remains a significant outcome of treatment for CCS. This study examined the relationships among self-esteem, hopefulness, and HRQOL in young adult female CCS to inform the development of evidence-based practice guidelines for pediatric oncology nursing practice. An online survey was conducted with a sample of young adult female CCS from 58 treatment centers across the United States at 4 time points: at baseline and at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after initial measurement time. The relationships between self-esteem, hopefulness, and HRQOL were statistically significant (Time 1, P = .05; Times 2, 3, and 4, P = .01) across all measurement times. These findings identify hopefulness and self-esteem as determinants of HRQOL and suggest that caring practices among pediatric oncology nurses that support psychosocial adjustment through promoting self-esteem and hopefulness have the potential to support HRQOL among young adult female CCS. These outcomes support the development of evidence-based practice guidelines to influence HRQOL outcomes among these survivors.