The impact of caregiver anxiety/depression symptoms and family functioning on child quality of life during pediatric cancer treatment: From diagnosis to 6 months. Issue 6 (2nd November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Desjardins, Leandra; Solomon, Aden; Shama, Wendy; Mills, Denise; Chung, Joanna; Hancock, Kelly; Barrera, Maru
• Is Part Of: Journal of psychosocial oncology. Volume 40:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 790
• Page End: 807
• Publication Date: 2022-11-02
• Subjects: Pediatric -- anxiety/depression -- cancer -- family -- quality of life -- quantitative; Cancer -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 362.196994
• DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2021.2015646
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0734-7332

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: : A pediatric cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL) of the child. Diagnosis and treatment impact caregiver anxiety/depression symptoms and family functioning, and these in turn may influence child QOL. However, there has been limited longitudinal examination of the impact of both caregiver anxiety/depression symptoms and family functioning on youth QOL at specific points during the early diagnosis and treatment period. Methods: : Ninety-six caregivers of youth (diagnosed with leukemia/lymphoma or a solid tumor) reported on their own anxiety/depression symptoms, family functioning, demographic and medical factors, and on their child's generic and cancer-specific QOL shortly after diagnosis (T1) and 6 months later (T2). Results: : Caregiver anxiety/depression symptoms were associated with poorer cancer-specific and generic child QOL within and across time points. Family conflict was associated with youth cancer-related QOL at T1. Conclusions: : Attendance to caregiver anxiety/depression symptoms and family functioning, beginning early in the cancer trajectory, is an important aspect of family-centered care. Routine psychosocial screening and triage may help identify and intervene to support both caregiver and child psychosocial well-being.