Adverse experiences of social adaptation in children with leukaemia: a qualitative study from China

Abstract

Aim and objectiveThis study aimed to build an indepth and comprehensive understanding of the social maladaptation experience of Chinese children with leukaemia of different ages.MethodsThe purposive sampling method was adopted to conduct semistructured interviews with 20 Chinese children with leukaemia or their main caregivers and Colaizzi’s method for qualitative research was used to organise and analyse the data. The study followed the guiding principles of the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research.ResultsThe existing social adaptation problems of children with leukaemia of different ages were assessed. In terms of psychological maladjustment, children with leukaemia aged 2–7 years showed fear and excessive attachment, while children aged 8–18 years were characterised by impatience, irritability and anxiety. In terms of behavioural maladjustment, children aged 2–7 years presented less independent behaviour and dependence on electronics, while children aged 8–18 years showed learning obstruction and indulgence in mobile games.ConclusionsTargeted intervention strategies should be developed based on the physical and mental characteristics of children with leukaemia of different ages to improve existing social adaptation problems.Relevance to clinical practiceEarly intervention for social adaptation of children with leukaemia should be considered. Children’s social adaptation should be improved to prevent more adaptation problems so that they can return to their families and to the society without difficulty and improve their quality of life in the long term.

Parents' Distress & Demands for Children with Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Western China: A qualitative study

“…The parents in the study lived with their children in western China, including four provinces:Chongqing,Sichuan,YunnanandGuizhou.The participants were selected from the Pediatric Oncology Department of the Children's Hospital a liated to Chongqing Medical University, which is a major pediatric cancer center in western China.Based on the precisely de ned inclusion and exclusion criteria,parents of pediatric cancer patients who were hospitalized at the Children's Hospital a liated with Chongqing Medical University from August to October 2023 were meticulously chosen for this study.The process of cognitive development among children is segmented into distinct age brackets, with the age of 8 serving as a pivotal milestone. Firstly, children who have surpassed the age of 8 exhibit a brain development level that is comparable to that of adults 17 . Furthermore, research has demonstrated that these older children possess the capability to independently articulate and report their psychological sentiments 18 .For these reasons, the inclusion criteria for children with cancer were as follows: 1) The participants were diagnosed with cancer for at least 6 months based on international guidelines for the diagnosis of childhood cancer;2) age between 3 and 8 years; 3) Based on the recommended standards of the international cognitive and cancer collaborative groups for assessing cognitive impairment 19 .…”