Effects on Pediatric Cancer Survivors: The FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS) Randomized Controlled Trial. (15th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bidstrup, Pernille E; Salem, Hanin; Andersen, Elisabeth Wreford; Schmiegelow, Kjeld; Rosthøj, Steen; Wehner, Peder Skov; Hasle, Henrik; Dalton, Susanne O; Johansen, Christoffer; Kazak, Anne E
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric psychology. Volume 48:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 38
• Publication Date: 2022-07-15
• Subjects: anxiety -- cancer -- children -- cognitive behavioral therapy -- depression -- family -- randomized controlled trial; Clinical child psychology -- Periodicals; 618.9289005
• DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsac062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-8693

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To examine as secondary analyses the effect the FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS) family therapy program on reducing parent-reported medical traumatic stress in the sub-sample of pediatric cancer survivors, age 2–5 years. Methods: The FAMOS study was a national multicenter randomized controlled trial with all four pediatric oncology departments in Denmark (Clinicaltrials.gov [NCT02200731]). Families were randomized in parallel design (1:1) to intervention or usual care. The FAMOS program includes seven home-based psychotherapeutic sessions and is based on family systems therapy to address the individuals in the family system using cognitive behavioral, problem-solving and goal-setting techniques. Questionnaires were completed by parents at baseline, 6, and 12 months. In linear mixed-effects models, the effect of FAMOS on reducing children's trauma-related behavior after 6 and 12 months was examined in 62 children (31 in the intervention and 29 in the control group, respectively). It was also examined if a trauma-related behavior effect was mediated through reduced symptoms of depression in mothers and fathers, respectively. Results: On average, children in the intervention group experienced significantly larger decreases in trauma-related behaviors at 6 and 12 months than the control group (predicted mean difference –3.89, p = .02 and –6.24, p = .003, respectively). The effect on trauma-related behavior was partly mediated through reduced symptoms of depression in mothers, but not fathers. Conclusions: Adding to previously reported positive effects of the FAMOS intervention on parents' symptoms of post-traumatic stress and depression, significant improvements were found in young children's trauma related-behavior. Further research is needed to develop therapy for children with cancer.