Health Problems and Psychosocial Adaptation of Children with Cancer

소아암 환아의 건강문제와 사회심리적 적응

  • 오가실 (연세대학교 간호대학 간호학과) ;
  • 심미경 (신성대학 간호과) ;
  • 손선영 (연세대학교 간호대학 간호학과)
  • Published : 2003.04.01

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe health problems and psychosocial adaptation in children with cancer and to determine the relationship between these two variables. Method: The data were collected from parents of 61 children with cancer, aged 4-11 years at one university hospital in Seoul. The instruments for this study were the Korea Child Behavior Check List (KCBCL) and a physical symptom checklist developed by the researchers. Result: The major health problems were coughing, sleeping disturbances, fatigue and weakness. The total behavior problem score for children in the cancer group was higher than the score for those in the norm group. The scores on the scales for withdrawal, somatic complaints, social immaturity, and internalizing problems were higher in the children with cancer compared to normative findings. Scores on social and school competence in the cancer group were lower than the norms for healthy children. The relationship between health problems and psychosocial adaptation was significant in the subscales of withdrawal, anxiety/depression, internalizing problems and social involvement in the off therapy group. Conclusions: This study shows the various areas that need further study in caring for children with cancer.

Keywords

References

  1. Kang, Kyung A. (1997). An analytical study on experiences of adolescents with cancer. Korean J Nurs Query. 6(2), 67-89
  2. Kim, Kyung Hee (2001). Familly functioning, anxiety and behavior problems of school-age children with asthma. Unpublished master's thesis. The Graduate School Yonsei University, Seoul
  3. Oh, K. J., Hong, K. E., Lee, H. R., & Ha, E. H. (1997). K-CBCL child behavior checklist. Seoul : Central aptitude research center
  4. Jeon, Na young (2002). Adjustment of teenagers with cancer : A path analysis of related variables. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, The Graduate School Yonsei University, Seoul
  5. Achenbach, T. M. (1991). Manual for the Child Behavior Checklist/4-18 and 1991 Profile. Burlington, Vt: University of Vermont
  6. Anderson, V., Smibert, E., Ekert, H., & Godber, T. (1994). Intellectual, educational, and behavioral sequelae after cranial irradiation and chemotherapy. Arch Dis Child, 70, 476-483 https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.70.6.476
  7. Cella, D. F., & Tross, S. (1986). Psychological adjustment to survival from hodkin's disease. J Cons Clin Psy. 54, 616-622 https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.54.5.616
  8. Collins (2000). The measurement of symptoms in childrens with cancer. J Pain Symptom manage, 19(5), 363-377
  9. Gray, R. E., Dosn, B. D., Peter Shermer, M. A., FitzGerald, A. V., Berry, M. P., DerekJenkin, M. B., Doherty, M. A. (1992). Psychologic adaptation of survivors of childhood cancer. Cancer, 70(11), 2713-2721
  10. Hockenberry-Eaton, M., Minick, P. (1994). Living with cancer: children with extraordinary courage. Oncol Nurs Forum, 21(6), 1025-31
  11. Jin, Ju Hye (2000). School reentry experience of childhood cancer early survival children. Unpublished master's thesis. The Graduate School Yonsei University, Seoul
  12. Kokkonen, J., Winqvist, S., Lanning, M. (1997). Physical and Psychosocial Outcome For Young Adults With Treated Malignancy. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 14, 223-232
  13. Manne, S., Miller, D. (1998). Social support, social conflict, and adjustment among adolescents with cancer. J Pediatr Psychol, 23(2), 121-130
  14. Mulhern, R. K., Fairclough, D., Douglas, S. M., & Smith, B. (1994). Physical distress and depressive symptomatology among children with cancer. Child Health Care, 23(3), 167-179
  15. Mulhern, R. K., Wasserman, A. L., Friedman, A. G., Fairclough, D. (1989). Social competence and behavioral adjustment of children who are long-term survivors of cancer. Pediatrics, 83(1), 18-25
  16. Noll, R. B., MacLean, W. E., Whitt, J. K., et al. (1997). Behavioral adjustment and social functioning of long-term survivors of childhood leukemia : parent and teacher reports. J Pediatr Peyohol. 22, 827-841 https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/22.6.827
  17. Sharan, P., Mehta, M., Chaudhry, V. P. (1999). Psychiatric morbidity in children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 16, 49-54 https://doi.org/10.1080/088800199277597
  18. Von Essen, L., Enskar, K, Kreuger, A., Larsson, B., Sjoden, P. (2000). Self- esteem, depresson and anxiety among Swedish children and adolescents on and off treatment for cancer. Aceta Paediatr, 89, 229-236 https://doi.org/10.1080/080352500750028889
  19. Waber, D. P., Silverman, L. B., Mullenix, P. J. (2000). Cognitive sequelae in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia with dexamethasone or prednisone. J Pediatr Hematol/Oncol 22(3), 206-213 https://doi.org/10.1097/00043426-200005000-00004
  20. Wong, D. L., Hockenberry-Eaton, M. (2000). Essentials of Pediatric Nursing. St. Louis : Mosby. 588-591
  21. Zelter, L. K., Chen, E., Weiss, R., Guo, M. D., Robison, L. L., Meadow, A. T., Mills, J. L., Nicholson, H. S., & Byrne, J. (1997). Comparison of psychologic outcome in adult survivors of childhood ALL versus controls: A cooperative CCG and NIH study. Journal of Clin Oncol, 15(2), 547-556