Authors:	Neu, Marie A. Schlecht, Jennifer Schmidt, Martina F. Robinson, Abigale L. Spix, Claudia Grabow, Desiree Kaatsch, Peter Erdmann, Friederike Faber, Jörg Urschitz, Michael S.
Contributor:	The IkidS Study Group
Title:	Mental health and health-related quality of life in preschool-aged childhood cancer survivors : results of the prospective cohort study ikidS-OEVA
Online publication date:	12-Sep-2022
Year of first publication:	2021
Language:	english
Abstract:	Objectives Long-term survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for sequelae such as poor mental health (MH) or impaired health-related quality of life (HrQoL). We aimed to evaluate early adverse effects on MH and HrQoL in young childhood cancer survivors (YCCS) before school entry. Methods In a nationwide prospective cohort study, children with cancer other than brain tumors diagnosed at preschool age and completed cancer treatments were identified from the German Childhood Cancer Registry. The comparison group was children of the same age without a cancer diagnosis who participated in the prospective population-based health survey ikidS. MH problems and HrQoL were assessed by parental versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the questionnaire for health-related quality of life in children (KINDL), respectively. Associations between cancer and MH as well as HrQoL were analyzed by multivariable linear regression. Results Of 382 YCCS contacted, 145 were enrolled (mean age 6.6 years) and 124 analyzed. Compared to children without a cancer diagnosis (3683 contacted, 2003 enrolled, 1422 analyzed), YCCS had more MH problems (13% vs. 3%) and slightly worse HrQoL (median 78.7 vs. 80.2 points). In the adjusted analysis, YCCS had higher SDQ scores (2.2 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3, 3.0) and lower KINDL scores (−2.4 points, 95% CI −3.7, −1.1) compared to children without cancer diagnosis. Conclusion Already at preschool age, YCCS may be at increased risk of MH problems and impaired HrQoL. This could have impacts on subsequent school performance and educational attainment. Follow-up health care for YCCS may include early screening for MH problems and reasons for HrQoL deficits.
DDC:	610 Medizin 610 Medical sciences
Institution:	Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Department:	FB 04 Medizin
Place:	Mainz
ROR:	https://ror.org/023b0x485
DOI:	http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-7719
Version:	Published version
Publication type:	Zeitschriftenaufsatz
License:	CC BY-NC-ND
Information on rights of use:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Journal:	Pediatric blood & cancer 68 8
Pages or article number:	e29039
Publisher:	Wiley
Publisher place:	New York, NY
Issue date:	2021
ISSN:	1545-5017
Publisher DOI:	10.1002/pbc.29039
Appears in collections:	JGU-Publikationen