Assessment of problems and symptoms in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Abstract

Significant physical and psychosocial problems and related symptoms are observed in cancer survivors after treatment as well as during the treatment period. This study was aimed to assess problems and symptoms in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) survivors. Study was applied in three hospitals in Ankara/Turkey with 91 children who were diagnosed and treated with ALL and with their family. Data were collected using the data collection form developed by the researchers. The variables were investigated using the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square test. The most common physical problems and symptoms seen in survivors are respiratory system infections (40.7%), reduction in bone mineral density (26.4%), exercise intolerance (45.1%), pain (41.8%) and fatigue (29.7%). Among the most frequent social problems experienced, educational problems (19.8%) is indicated. In children carrying increased duration of therapy, urinary system infections (p=.016), anorexia (0.020) and pain (p=.007) rates are increasing. Many problems and symptoms related to disease and treatment in survivors of ALL have been realised. Therefore, planning and implementation of nursing interventions required to sustaining and developing survivor's health status are important.