Alyssa R Neville1, Nivatha Moothathamby2, Methuna Naganathan3, Elizabeth Huynh4, Fiona J Moola5. 1. HEART Lab, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: aneville@hollandbloorview.ca. 2. HEART Lab, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3. HEART Lab, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Queen's University, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. 4. HEART Lab, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 5. HEART Lab, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health and the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although childhood cancer mortality rates are decreasing, intensive treatment modalities and missed school days may leave childhood cancer patients psychologically and socially vulnerable. Children with cancer often have increased anxiety, lower levels of self-esteem, and higher rates of depression, all of which may impair their psychosocial wellbeing. Specialized camps for children with cancer are becoming increasingly popular, as they provide a stress-free, outdoor environment in which children are able to interact with individuals similar to themselves, while experiencing the joys of a "normal childhood." OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to explore how camp participation impacts the psychosocial wellbeing of childhood cancer patients and survivors. METHODS: Six databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, CINHAL, Sociological Abstracts, Social Sciences Citation Index) were systematically searched for English literature published between 2007 and 2018. The search generated 1707 titles, and after being evaluated for relevance, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. A thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A variety of camp programs and methodologies were employed among the studies. Camp participation led to improved social health, followed by enhanced constructions of the self, quality of life, sense of normalcy, and attitude. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates the potential ability of camp to buffer psychosocial losses for children affected by cancer. Addressing limitations, such as the lack of child-centered methodologies employed in camp settings, may not only help to guide future research on therapeutic recreation experiences for children with cancer, but also expand the evidence base for children living with other chronic illnesses and disabilities. Crown
BACKGROUND: Although childhood cancer mortality rates are decreasing, intensive treatment modalities and missed school days may leave childhood cancerpatients psychologically and socially vulnerable. Children with cancer often have increased anxiety, lower levels of self-esteem, and higher rates of depression, all of which may impair their psychosocial wellbeing. Specialized camps for children with cancer are becoming increasingly popular, as they provide a stress-free, outdoor environment in which children are able to interact with individuals similar to themselves, while experiencing the joys of a "normal childhood." OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to explore how campparticipation impacts the psychosocial wellbeing of childhood cancerpatients and survivors. METHODS: Six databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, CINHAL, Sociological Abstracts, Social Sciences Citation Index) were systematically searched for English literature published between 2007 and 2018. The search generated 1707 titles, and after being evaluated for relevance, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. A thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A variety of camp programs and methodologies were employed among the studies. Camp participation led to improved social health, followed by enhanced constructions of the self, quality of life, sense of normalcy, and attitude. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates the potential ability of camp to buffer psychosocial losses for children affected by cancer. Addressing limitations, such as the lack of child-centered methodologies employed in camp settings, may not only help to guide future research on therapeutic recreation experiences for children with cancer, but also expand the evidence base for children living with other chronic illnesses and disabilities. Crown
Authors: Ying Tung Chan; Hoi Yee Lau; Wai Yan Chan; Chi Wo Cheung; Winnie Lui; Yuk Sze Jacqueline Chane-Thu; Wen Lam Dai; Ka Ching To; Hui Lin Cheng Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2020-07-27 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Mats Jong; E Anne Lown; Winnie Schats; Michelle L Mills; Heather R Otto; Leiv E Gabrielsen; Miek C Jong Journal: PLoS One Date: 2021-01-06 Impact factor: 3.240