Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to understand the health-related quality-of-life of children hospitalized with cancer
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to understand the relationships among treatment-related symptoms, depressive symptoms and health-related quality-of-life in children hospitalized with cancer
Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed. A total of 135 Hong Kong Chinese children (9-16-year olds) admitted for cancer treatment in a paediatric oncology unit were invited to participate. Participants were asked to respond to the Therapy-Related Symptom Checklist for Children, Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children and Pediatric Quality-of-Life InventoryTM Cancer Module v. 3.0.
Results: The results of the study indicated that Hong Kong Chinese children hospitalized with cancer generally presented some depressive symptoms and reported poor health-related quality-of-life. Besides, children reporting greater symptom occurrence and severity experienced higher levels of depression and a lower level of health-related quality-of-life. Additionally, the study revealed that treatment-related symptoms are a strong predictor of health related quality-of-life of children hospitalized for cancer treatment.
Conclusion: The study has addressed a gap in the literature by examining the health related quality-of-life in Hong Kong Chinese children hospitalized with cancer, an area of research that is under-represented in the existing literature. The findings revealed that treatment of cancer has tremendous impact on children’s health-related quality-of-life. It is essential for nurses to be sensitive and knowledgeable about the treatment-related symptoms and its effects on children so as to enhance their health-related quality-of-life.
See more of: Research Sessions: Oral Paper & Posters