Reasons for non-participation in a combined physical exercise and psychosocial training intervention for children with cancer

Abstract

s ingediend voor het Amsterdam Kindersymposium 2013 27 Reasons for non-participation in a combined physical exercise and psychosocial training intervention for children with cancer K.I. Braam (1), E.M. van Dijk (2), E. van Dulmen-den Broeder (1), M.A. Veening (1), M. Bierings (3), J.H.M. Merks (4), M.M. van der Heuvel-Eibrink (5), M.A. Grootenhuis (6), J. Huisman (7), T. Takken (8), G.J.L. Kaspers (1) (1) Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam (2) Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam (3) Department of Pediatric Immunology and Hematology, Wilhelmina’s Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht (4) Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam (5) Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam (6) Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam (7) Department of Medical Psychology, Wilhelmina’s Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht (8) Department of Pediatric Physiotherapy and Exercise Physics, Wilhelmina’s Children’s Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht INTRODUCTION In four Dutch paediatric cancer centres we investigate the eff ects of a combined exercise and psychosocial intervention of 12 weeks for children (8-18 years old) who are under cancer treatment, or within the fi rst year after treatment. The current participation rate is 38.3%. The question addressed here is: What was the main diff erence between the participants (P) and non-participants (NP) and what was the reason for non-participation? METHODS Eligible children with cancer and their parents were asked for study participation. Those who rejected where asked to fi ll in an one-time survey. The questionnaires of the survey were a selection of the ones of the main study. In addition a form was added to describe the non-participation reasons. RESULTS Out of the eligible 128 children 49 were Ps. The one-time survey was accepted by 71 out of 79 NP. Finally, 48 children returned the questionnaires (68%). Time consumption by the study was the main reason (30%) for non-participation. Comparing groups (P versus NP) showed no diff erence in age and sex. Results of a logistic regression on participation showed infl uence by travel distance between home and the paediatric cancer centre (B: -0.048), child’s age (B: 0.359), child’s sport background (B: -1.968), and sport background of the mother (B: 0.876) and father (B: 0.808). CONCLUSION Participating in a combined exercise and psychosocial intervention is considered to be time consuming. Non-participation is increased by long travel distances between study location and home, as well as by a young age and a non-sportive family.