Abstract
Objective:With increasing survival rates in childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the long-term side effects of treatment have become important. Our aim was to investigate health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, and self-image among ALL survivors.Materials and Methods:Fifty patients diagnosed with ALL and their siblings were enrolled. The Kovacs Children’s Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Offer Self-Image Questionnaire, and Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM were used for collecting data. ANOVA tests were used to determine if there were any significant differences between groups.Results:ALL survivors had higher depression, more anxiety symptoms, lower quality of life, and more negative self-image when compared to their siblings.Conclusion:Continuous diagnostic and interventional mental health services might be necessary for possible emotional side effects of treatment during and after the treatment. Rehabilitation and follow-up programs should be implemented for children during and after treatment for ALL.
Highlights
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer
ALL survivors had higher depression, more anxiety symptoms, lower quality of life, and more negative self-image when compared to their siblings
Continuous diagnostic and interventional mental health services might be necessary for possible emotional side effects of treatment during and after the treatment
Summary
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer. Survival rates have improved substantially [1,2]. Among the advances in ALL treatment, Health-related quality of life (HRQL), which is a multidimensional construct that encompasses several domains such as physical, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning, was recognized as an important outcome measure of ALL survivors [3]. Bansal et al [4] found that children with ALL have significantly poorer social, physical, and emotional health and well-being than their peers and siblings. All treatment protocols of ALL contain higher cumulative doses of asparaginase, vincristine, and corticosteroids. Significant treatment-related toxicities might develop during the treatment period. These treatment outcomes might affect HRQL adversely [5]
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