Carla J Berg1, Erin Stratton2, Natia Esiashvili3, Ann Mertens4, Robin C Vanderpool. 1. Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322. 2. Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, 1440 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322. 3. Aflac Cancer Center/Department of Pediatrics, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, 1440 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322. 4. Department of Health Behavior, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, 151 Washington Avenue, 342 Bowman Hall, Lexington, KY 40506.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We examined healthcare providers' perspectives on how childhood cancer impacts young adult health behaviors and psychosocial functioning, how healthy lifestyle and psychosocial issues are addressed in this population, challenges related to addressing these issues, and potential resources for addressing them. METHODS: In 2012, we recruited 21 healthcare providers (e.g., oncologists, nurses, social workers) who treat young adult survivors of childhood cancer from a children's hospital and a cancer center in the Southeastern U.S. to complete telephone-based semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Our sample was an average of 45.95 (SD=7.57) years old, 52.4% female, and 81.0% MDs. Most mentioned that the impact of cancer on health risk behaviors and psychosocial functioning depended on several things including social support and other environmental factors. Participants indicated several general activities and approaches aimed at addressing healthy lifestyles among this population. Participants reported a range of health education, from minimal education to continuous education throughout treatment and survivorship. Providers indicated a team-oriented approach to addressing psychosocial issues and that the survivorship program addressed the complications of obtaining insurance, education and employment, and reproductive health within this population. A major factor was the involvement of the family in addressing these issues. Providers' challenges in intervening included limited time, resources, financial support, and referral options. Participants suggested resources to address these challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Several resources are needed to address the challenges faced by practitioners in addressing young adult survivors' issues, including physical resources, social support resources, education for patients and healthcare providers, and programs to provide financial support.
OBJECTIVES: We examined healthcare providers' perspectives on how childhood cancer impacts young adult health behaviors and psychosocial functioning, how healthy lifestyle and psychosocial issues are addressed in this population, challenges related to addressing these issues, and potential resources for addressing them. METHODS: In 2012, we recruited 21 healthcare providers (e.g., oncologists, nurses, social workers) who treat young adult survivors of childhood cancer from a children's hospital and a cancer center in the Southeastern U.S. to complete telephone-based semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: Our sample was an average of 45.95 (SD=7.57) years old, 52.4% female, and 81.0% MDs. Most mentioned that the impact of cancer on health risk behaviors and psychosocial functioning depended on several things including social support and other environmental factors. Participants indicated several general activities and approaches aimed at addressing healthy lifestyles among this population. Participants reported a range of health education, from minimal education to continuous education throughout treatment and survivorship. Providers indicated a team-oriented approach to addressing psychosocial issues and that the survivorship program addressed the complications of obtaining insurance, education and employment, and reproductive health within this population. A major factor was the involvement of the family in addressing these issues. Providers' challenges in intervening included limited time, resources, financial support, and referral options. Participants suggested resources to address these challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Several resources are needed to address the challenges faced by practitioners in addressing young adult survivors' issues, including physical resources, social support resources, education for patients and healthcare providers, and programs to provide financial support.
Entities:
Keywords:
Survivorship care; childhood cancer; health behavior; health promotion; mental health; young adults
Authors: Kenneth P Tercyak; Jessica R Donze; Sowmya Prahlad; Revonda B Mosher; Aziza T Shad Journal: Pediatr Blood Cancer Date: 2006-11 Impact factor: 3.167
Authors: Melissa Y Carpentier; Larry L Mullins; T David Elkin; Cortney Wolfe-Christensen Journal: J Pediatr Hematol Oncol Date: 2008-12 Impact factor: 1.289
Authors: Kevin R Krull; Sujuan Huang; James G Gurney; James L Klosky; Wendy Leisenring; Amanda Termuhlen; Kirsten K Ness; Deo Kumar Srivastava; Ann Mertens; Marilyn Stovall; Leslie L Robison; Melissa M Hudson Journal: J Cancer Surviv Date: 2010-04-11 Impact factor: 4.442
Authors: W L Hobbie; M Stuber; K Meeske; K Wissler; M T Rourke; K Ruccione; A Hinkle; A E Kazak Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2000-12-15 Impact factor: 44.544
Authors: Kevin C Oeffinger; Ann C Mertens; Charles A Sklar; Toana Kawashima; Melissa M Hudson; Anna T Meadows; Debra L Friedman; Neyssa Marina; Wendy Hobbie; Nina S Kadan-Lottick; Cindy L Schwartz; Wendy Leisenring; Leslie L Robison Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2006-10-12 Impact factor: 176.079
Authors: Karen M Emmons; Rita M Butterfield; Elaine Puleo; Elyse R Park; Ann Mertens; Ellen R Gritz; Maureen Lahti; Fredrick P Li Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2003-01-15 Impact factor: 50.717