Public perceptions of families affected by pediatric cancer and educational work in pediatric oncology.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore how Russian society perceives children with cancer and their families to determine its potential as a tool for solving the social struggles of cancer-affected youth. METHODS: The study took place between 2019 and 2020 and involved 237 parents of cancer-affected children enrolled for inpatient treatment in 5 pediatric oncology clinics in the North Caucasus Federal District (Russia). The study exploits a specially designed questionnaire survey as its main research method. RESULTS: About half of the parents did not observe changes in their attitude towards their child following a cancer diagnosis, with women more frequently noting these changes (40% vs. 18%). Public sentiment diverges between poles of sympathy and alienation: 53% acknowledge the expression of sympathy, while 39% perceive a sense of alienation. This study underscores the imperative for adequate support for these families, encompassing both financial and social dimensions. CONCLUSION: The present findings can be used to design cancer awareness and anti-stigma programs aimed at educating the general population about the early symptoms of cancer, where to receive health consultation services, how to talk with and act around cancer-affected children, and how to support such children and their families. IMPACT: Despite advances in modern medicine and multiple cases of pediatric cancer being successfully treated, stereotypes about the incurable nature of cancer still exist in many countries. The present findings can serve as a platform for the comparative study of cancer-related issues in other regions and countries. The results of this study can also be used to design cancer awareness and anti-stigma programs aimed at educating the general population about the early symptoms of cancer, where to receive health consultation services, how to talk with and act around cancer-affected children, and how to support such children and their families.

Predictive algorithm for the regional spread of coronavirus infection across the Russian Federation.

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of infectious diseases are a complex phenomenon with many interacting factors. Regional health authorities need prognostic modeling of the epidemic process. METHODS: For these purposes, various mathematical algorithms can be used, which are a useful tool for studying the infections spread dynamics. Epidemiological models act as evaluation and prognosis models. The authors outlined the experience of developing a short-term predictive algorithm for the spread of the COVID-19 in the region of the Russian Federation based on the SIR model: Susceptible (vulnerable), Infected (infected), Recovered (recovered). The article describes in detail the methodology of a short-term predictive algorithm, including an assessment of the possibility of building a predictive model and the mathematical aspects of creating such forecast algorithms. RESULTS: Findings show that the predicted results (the mean square of the relative error of the number of infected and those who had recovered) were in agreement with the real-life situation: σ(I) = 0.0129 and σ(R) = 0.0058, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that despite a large number of sophisticated modifications, each of which finds its scope, it is advisable to use a simple SIR model to quickly predict the spread of coronavirus infection. Its lower accuracy is fully compensated by the adaptive calibration of parameters based on monitoring the current situation with updating indicators in real-time.

The Role of Parents in Their Child's Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Socialization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of parents (family) as participants in their child's cancer diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. METHODS: This survey research was carried out by the Institute of Social Sciences, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) in 2019-2020. The survey involved 237 parents of children with cancer admitted to oncological clinics of the North Caucasus Federal District. More than half of parents (54.9%) took their child to a pediatrician because of the unusual and strange symptoms. The overwhelming majority of respondents (99.1%) admitted stress and shock on hearing the cancer diagnosis. Besides emotional issues, they reported financial problems (55.3%), and a change in lifestyle (38.4%). RESULTS: During the treatment period, parents sought financial and organizational support from medical institutions (49.4%), as well as charitable and public organizations (40.5%). At the end of treatment, almost half of the respondents (48.9%) applied for rehabilitation services. CONCLUSION: Parents play one of the key roles in their child's cancer journey. They provide the child with basic psychological support and care, and they search for resources to enable treatment and rehabilitation. Parents help their child re-enter and return to a normal life (schooling, communication with friends, etc.) after going through cancer.