[The assessment of somatic symptoms and distress among parents of a childhood cancer survivor].

INTRODUCTION

Studies on somatic symptoms among parents of a childhood cancer survivor are less developed in the literature. The purpose of the study is to examine the somatic symptoms intensity (i.e. physical symptoms aggravated by emotional or psychological factors) and its associations with anxious and depressive symptoms and worries.

METHODS

Sixty-one parents of a childhood cancer survivor (since 4-years until 6-years of survivorship) participated in this transversal and quasi-experimental study. Parents filled in three clinical questionnaires assessing their anxious, depressive and somatic symptoms and their worries related to the child's health evolution.

RESULTS

Parents suffered mainly from a loss of energy and insomnia in the middle of the night. Significant correlations between somatic symptoms and anxious and depressive symptoms were observed. Lastly, depressive symptoms seem to be a significant factor to predict the level of somatic symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations for the management of parents of a childhood cancer survivor have been published. However, longitudinal studies focused on parents are still necessary to improve preventive initiatives and the management of these families.