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Impact of Sociodemographic Factors, Stress, and Communication on Quality of Life in Survivors of Pediatric Cancer
  • +6
  • Valdeoso Patterson,
  • Anna Olsavsky,
  • Dana Garcia,
  • Malcolm Sutherland-Foggio,
  • Kathryn Vannatta,
  • Kemar Prussien,
  • Heather Bemis,
  • Bruce Compas,
  • Cynthia Gerhardt
Valdeoso Patterson
Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Anna Olsavsky
Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
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Dana Garcia
Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
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Malcolm Sutherland-Foggio
Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
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Kathryn Vannatta
Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
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Kemar Prussien
Vanderbilt University
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Heather Bemis
Vanderbilt University
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Bruce Compas
Vanderbilt University
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Cynthia Gerhardt
Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
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Abstract

Background: While most research has largely focused on medical risks associated with reduced quality of life (QOL) in survivors, sociodemographic and family factors may also play a role. Thus, we examined sociodemographic factors and family factors associated with survivor QOL, including adolescent’s cancer-specific stress, mother’s general stress, and mother–adolescent communication. Methods: Mothers ( N=80) and survivors (ages 10-23, N=50) were assessed 5 years following initial diagnosis. Mothers completed measures regarding sociodemographic background adolescent’s cancer-specific stress, mother’s general stress, mother–adolescent communication, and adolescent QOL. Survivors also reported on their own QOL. Two hierarchical multiple regressions examined predictors of: (a) mother’s report of adolescent QOL and (b) survivor’s self-report of QOL. Results: The final model predicting mother-reported adolescent QOL was significant, F(5,74)=21.18, p<.001, and explained 59% of the variance in QOL. Significant predictors included adolescent stress ( β=-0.37, p<.001), mothers’ stress ( β=-0.42, p<.001), and communication ( β=0.19, p=.03). The final model predicting survivor-reported QOL was also significant, F(5,44)=5.16, p<.01 and explained 24% of the variance in QOL. Significant predictors included adolescent stress ( β=-.37, p=.01) and communication ( β=-.31, p=.04). Sociodemographic factors were not a significant predictor of QOL in any model. Conclusion: Family stress and communication offer potential points of intervention to improve QOL of pediatric cancer survivors from mother and survivor perspectives. While additional research is needed, healthcare professionals should encourage stress management and strong mother–child communication to enhance survivors’ long-term QOL. Such interventions may be helpful, irrespective of known sociodemographic factors that often affect health.
02 Aug 2023Submitted to Pediatric Blood & Cancer
02 Aug 2023Submission Checks Completed
02 Aug 2023Assigned to Editor
02 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
02 Aug 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
20 Mar 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 Mar 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Mar 2024Editorial Decision: Accept