Effects of a Web-Based Pediatric Oncology Legacy Intervention on the Coping of Children With Cancer.

Eunji Cho, Mary S Dietrich, Debra L Friedman, Mary Jo Gilmer, Cynthia A Gerhardt, Barbara A Given, Verna L Hendricks-Ferguson, Pamela S Hinds, Terrah Foster Akard

Journal: The American journal of hospice & palliative care 2022;40(1):34-42

PMID: 35535490

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Abstract

BACKGROUND

Recurrent or refractory cancer often results in substantial and extensive physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual burdens for children and their families. However, the therapeutic benefits of legacy interventions in children with recurrent or refractory cancer have been examined only recently, with limited attention to specific effects on children's coping abilities.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a digital storytelling-legacy intervention on the adaptive coping of children with recurrent or refractory cancer.

METHODS

This study used a 2-arm randomized, waitlist-controlled trial design. A total of 150 children with recurrent or refractory cancer and their parents were recruited via Facebook advertisements.

RESULTS

The analysis sample included 92 dyads (35-intervention group, 57-control group). The legacy intervention showed small and statistically nonsignificant effects on primary-control and disengagement coping strategies among children with recurrent or refractory cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Legacy interventions using readily accessible digital storytelling have the potential to enhance the adaptive coping skills among children with recurrent or refractory cancer. Further research should determine how to enhance interventions tailored to this population to optimize the benefits.

Address: School of Nursing, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.; School of Medicine, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, 12328Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA.; Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, 2647The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.; Center for Biobehavioral Health, 51711The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.; College of Nursing, 3078Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.; Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, 7547Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO, USA.; Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice and Quality Outcomes, 8404Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.; Department of Pediatrics, 8367George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.

DOI: 10.1177/10499091221100809

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MeSH Terms: Child, Humans, Adaptation, Psychological, Parents, Neoplasms, Emotions, Internet