Quality of life among pediatric patients with cancer: Contributions of time since diagnosis and parental chronic stress

Abstract

Background Pediatric cancer is associated with a host of negative psychosocial consequences; however, outcomes vary extensively suggesting a need to better understand this variation. Empirical research suggests a positive association between time since diagnosis (TSD) and Quality of Life (QoL). In addition to TSD, family stressors have been found to be particularly important in predicting QoL among children. The current study examined parental chronic stress beyond TSD in explanation of QoL functioning among a sample of pediatric patients with cancer. Procedure Participants included 43 pediatric patients aged 5–18 years (Mage = 10.2 ± 3.6) who were undergoing oncological treatment. Parents reported on TSD, child’s QoL, and their own chronic stress. Results TSD was associated with greater physical functioning (r = 0.30, P< 0.05). Parental chronic stress was associated with poorer emotional (r = −0.54, P< 0.01), physical (r =−0.41, P<0.01), and social functioning (r = −0.44, P<0.01). Further, hierarchal linear regression analyzes indicated parental chronic stress contributed incrementally beyond TSD in the explanation of physical (β = −0.37, t = −2.58, P< 0.01), emotional (β = −0.47, t = −3.51, P< 0.00), and social functioning (β = −0.38, t = −2.67, P< 0.01). Conclusions Parental chronic stress is associated with reduced levels of emotional, physical, and social functioning among pediatric patients. Future research is needed to further investigate the process by which chronic stress within the family interferes with adaptive coping among pediatric patients. In addition, clinical services may benefit from increased consideration of family factors, such as parental chronic stress, during oncological treatment.

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