Abstract
This study examines the association between psychosocial risk and protective factors and a wide range of psychosocial outcomes including emotional, social, cognitive, and physical domains in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). CCS from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (DCCSS)-LATER cohort (diagnosed 1963-2001) part 2 (age≥18years, diagnosed < 18years, ≥ 5years since diagnosis) completed questionnaires on psychosocial risk and protective factors (Benefit and Burden Scale, Illness Cognition Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Impact of Cancer Scale), and psychosocial outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Self-Rating Scale for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult Health-Related Quality of Life, and Short Form-36). Associations were assessed with regression analysis, adjusting for attained age, sex, number of health conditions, and time since diagnosis, while correcting for multiple testing (p< 0.004). A total of 1382 CCS participated, all diagnosed ≥ 15years ago. The mean age of participating CCS was 36years, and 51% were female. Perceived benefit and burden, acceptance, and helplessness, self-esteem and social support were associated with the psychosocial outcomes. In the models including all psychosocial factors, most associations with psychosocial outcomes were seen for self-esteem (10×), and perceived burden (9×). Self-esteem (all β≤ 0.47) and perceived burden (all β≤ 0.38) demonstrated strongest associations of medium/large size. Perceptions of childhood cancer, illness cognitions, self-esteem, and social support play a role in explaining psychosocial functioning in CCS, outweighing the influence of socio-demographic and medical variables. Addressing negative perceptions and reducing feelings of helplessness, while promoting acceptance, self-esteem, and social support, could provide intervention targets for CCS who encounter psychosocial challenges.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
