RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Fatigue is described as one of the most distressing symptoms of cancer therapy; yet it has received limited clinical attention. Children are suffering from a symptom that is under-diagnosed during their treatment. AIM: The aim of this study is: (a) to assess the change in fatigue scores during cancer treatment according to children's perspectives, and (b) to describe the possible causes of fatigue from children's points of view. SAMPLE AND METHODS: The present study is part of an ongoing prospective study. The research group consisted of 40 (n = 40) children aged 7-12 years with cancer who are being followed up in the oncology clinic of a Greek children's hospital. After parental consent was obtained, data were collected using the Child Fatigue Scale and a sociodemographic data form. RESULTS: The children with cancer reported a statistically significant increase in fatigue scores during their treatment (F = 6.846, P = 0.003). Gender was the only demographic factor associated with a significant increase in the fatigue scores (F = 4.857, P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Cancer treatment was found significantly to increase children's fatigue levels. Medical procedures and the hospital environment seemed to be major causative factors of the fatigue experienced by children with cancer during their treatment.
Asunto(s)
Actitud Frente a la Salud , Niño Hospitalizado/psicología , Fatiga/etiología , Fatiga/psicología , Neoplasias , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Anemia/complicaciones , Causalidad , Niño , Fatiga/diagnóstico , Femenino , Grecia , Hospitales Pediátricos , Humanos , Modelos Lineales , Masculino , Análisis Multivariante , Neoplasias/complicaciones , Neoplasias/terapia , Investigación Metodológica en Enfermería , Padres/educación , Estudios Prospectivos , Psicología Infantil , Factores Sexuales , Privación de Sueño/complicaciones , Factores Socioeconómicos , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
There are now more than one million new cases of cancer every year in the European Community (EC) including the children to whom particular needs should be addressed. Besides the disease-free survival other outcomes reflecting the impact of treatment on the patient and their families must also be assessed and include their physical, psychological and social functioning throughout their care: during therapy, after completion of treatment or, for some, in the terminal phase of their illness. To provide optimal care and thus improve the quality of life for these children needs: a) an appropriately structured Paediatric Cancer Unit; b) well trained and permanent staff members: comprising doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers and other health care professionals; c) facilities such as a specific out-patient clinic, a hospital school, a residence for parents; d) a well defined programme for the terminally ill children; e) a well defined programme for controlling the late effects of therapy.
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias/psicología , Calidad de Vida , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Europa (Continente) , Humanos , Italia , Neoplasias/terapia , Atención al Paciente , Educación del Paciente como Asunto , Sobrevivientes/psicología , Cuidado TerminalRESUMEN
The various aspects of supportive care in children suffering from cancer, diagnosed at the Children's Hospital Aglaia Kyriakou, in Athens, are presented from the diagnosis to each step of therapy, and afterwards. It is stressed that cultural, religious and social parameters are crucial in defining the way to approach the family as a whole.
