A descriptive study of the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of childhood cancer survivors in Hong Kong.

BACKGROUND

Research indicates that increased survival rates are accompanied by an increase in associated psychosocial problems. Whereas much of the attention has focused on the physiological care of childhood cancer survivors, the consequences of cancer and its treatments on psychosocial well-being and quality of life remain relatively underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was used. A total of 137 childhood cancer survivors (9- to 16-year olds) who underwent medical follow-up in the outpatient clinic were invited to participate in the study.

RESULTS

A significant number of childhood cancer survivors had low self-esteem and experienced high levels of depression. The study also indicated that greater symptoms of depression in childhood cancer survivors were associated with higher state anxiety, lower self-esteem, and poor quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer and its treatments can have adverse effects on the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It is essential for nurses to develop and evaluate interventions with the aim of promoting psychosocial well-being and quality of life for childhood cancer survivors. Knowing the self-esteem and coping behavior of survivors can help design appropriate and effective psychosocial interventions to promote their psychosocial well-being.