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The Impact of the Early COVID-19 Global Pandemic on Children Undergoing Active Cancer Treatment and Their Parents

Authors :
Andrew Tran
Sharon H. J. Hou
Caitlin Forbes
Sara Cho
Victoria J. Forster
Mehak Stokoe
Claire E. Wakefield
Lori Wiener
Lauren C. Heathcote
Gisela Michel
Pandora Patterson
Kathleen Reynolds
Fiona S. M. Schulte
Source :
Current Oncology, Vol 30, Iss 2, Pp 2441-2456 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

(1) Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted people worldwide with unique implications for vulnerable groups. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the impact of the early pandemic on children undergoing active cancer treatment and their parents. (2) Methods: In May 2020, 30 parents of children undergoing active cancer treatment completed an online survey regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their child’s cancer care, perceived utility of telemedicine, and child and parent mental health status. (3) Results: Most participants (87%) reported that they did not experience any changes to major cancer treatments. Among those who reported using telemedicine, 78% reported this to be beneficial. Over half of the participants reported that their child’s mental health status was worse now than prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Parent-reported child anxiety scores were significantly higher for those who reported changes to mental health care for their child compared to those who did not report the same, t(25.99) = −3.04, p = 0.005. (4) Conclusion: Child and parent mental health status were affected when compared to pre-pandemic. Telemedicine appears to be a promising complement to face-to-face meetings for some families and warrants further exploration.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17187729 and 11980052
Volume :
30
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Current Oncology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.91c09d403404155b7d3fca6a1be659d
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30020186