Practical adaptive skills in pediatric brain tumor survivors: the contribution of medical factors and social determinants of health

Abstract

ABSTRACT Pediatric brain tumor survivors demonstrate weaknesses in adaptive functioning, most notably practical adaptive skills; however, the specific areas of weakness within practical skills are unknown. This study examined the aspects of practical adaptive functions that are most impacted in brain tumor survivors, and identified medical and socio-demographic variables that predicted outcomes. The sample included 117 pediatric brain tumor patients seen for a clinical neuropsychological evaluation and whose parents completed the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second or Third Edition. T-tests compared practical adaptive skills to normative means. Correlations examined associations between medical and socio-demographic variables and each of the practical adaptive subscales (Community Use, Home Living, Health & Safety, Self-Care). Significant correlations were entered into linear regression models for each practical adaptive skill. All practical subscales were significantly below the normative mean. Community Use was positively correlated with age at diagnosis and negatively correlated with treatment burden, time since diagnosis, and neighborhood deprivation. Health and Safety was positively correlated with age at diagnosis. Home Living was positively correlated with neighborhood deprivation. Self-Care was positively correlated with age at diagnosis and parental education. Specific medical and socio-demographic factors predicted practical adaptive functioning, highlighting the importance of considering the role of medical and socio-demographic determinants of health on adaptive functioning outcomes in pediatric brain tumors.