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