The Availability of Psychosocial Interventions to Children With Cancer and Their Families

Awareness of the need for and efficacy of psychosocial services for pediatric oncology patients and their families has increased greatly in the last decade However, it is currently unknown to what extent these services are available Therefore, a national survey of pediatric oncologists was conducted to determine the availability of the following services psychological/psychiatric and social work consultation, support groups for patients and family members, nonpharmacological pain and anxiety management, and nonpharmacological treatment of anticipatory emesis Results suggest that most centers offer social work consultation and support groups to parents Fewer support groups are offered to patients and even fewer nonpharmacological services to assist patients in coping with anticipatory nausea and pain are offered Results are discussed in terms of the pattern of service delivery and cost-effectiveness.     

Academic Achievement of Korean Adolescents from Multicultural Families: National Survey Results

Background

Multicultural families and foreign residents are rapidly increasing in Korea. Thus, the proportion of children and adolescents from minority racial/ethnic groups are also increasing, and there are concerns about adolescents who fail to adapt to school and show low academic achievement and poor health status.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate influencing factors related to academic achievement among Korean multicultural adolescents.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 2234 Korean multicultural adolescent participants from the 2010–2014 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey were analyzed using multiple regression.

Results

Perceived economic status and breakfast frequency affected academic achievement, regardless of gender. Family affluence, satisfaction with sleep time, and lifetime smoking were additional factors in males. For females, depression and frequency of physical school activities were additional factors.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that diverse individual factors should be considered, including economic status, health status, and health-related behaviors, to improve multicultural adolescents’ academic achievement.

     

An Evaluation of Psychosocial Outcomes for Children and Adolescents Attending a Summer Camp for Youth With Chronic Illness

This study evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and hope in youth after participation in a summer camping program for children with chronic medical conditions. A total of 102 youth (mean age = 13.10 years, SD?=?2.37) with various medical diagnoses (e.g., cancer, 36.9%; kidney disease, 21.4%) participated in the study. Findings from the Children's Hope Scale indicated that from pre- to post-camp, youth were more confident in their ability to identify strategies to accomplish goals. Additionally, findings from this scale suggested that the identification and development of personal goals is associated with enhancement of perceived HRQOL at the post-camp assessment. No significant differences emerged in HRQOL from pre- to post-camp. Overall, the results are consistent with previous studies of positive benefits of the camp experience; this study indicates that youth participation in chronic illness camps facilitates increased hope and goal-directed behaviors, which contributes to improvements in psychosocial functioning.     

Psychosocial Group Interventions for Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: The State of the Literature

The increasing prevalence of diabetes among children increases the demand for cost-effective psychosocial interventions. This article reviews the efficacy of group-based psychological interventions designed to improve psychological adaptation, adherence to the treatment regimen, and diabetes-related medical outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. To help treatment providers incorporate empirically supported treatment components into group-based diabetes clinical programs, the review also discusses the challenges of transferring these interventions from clinical research trial to clinical setting.     

Psychosocial Group Interventions for Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: The State of the Literature

The increasing prevalence of diabetes among children increases the demand for cost-effective psychosocial interventions. This article reviews the efficacy of group-based psychological interventions designed to improve psychological adaptation, adherence to the treatment regimen, and diabetes-related medical outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. To help treatment providers incorporate empirically supported treatment components into group-based diabetes clinical programs, the review also discusses the challenges of transferring these interventions from clinical research trial to clinical setting.     

Psychosocial Correlates of Health Care Utilization for Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Our objective was to examine the relation of self-reported depressive symptomatology to health care utilization (HCU) in families with a child with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Data were obtained from a community sample (N = 88) being followed in 2 private outpatient diabetes clinics. Children and adolescents completed measures of depressive symptomatology. Mothers provided demographic information and completed measures of HCU and depressive symptomatology. Physicians provided measures of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and illness severity. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that higher levels of child depressive symptomatology were associated with increased HCU for children with DM1 above and beyond demographic and illness variables. However, no significant relationship was found between either adolescent or maternal depressive symptomatology and HCU. These findings suggest self-reported depressive symptomatology in children with DM1 is a salient correlate of HCU even after statistically controlling for the influence of demographics and illness parameters. The possibility that children with DM1 with symptoms of depression may have higher utilization of health services supports the need to target psychosocial variables for intervention.     

The Long-Term Psychosocial Effects of Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment on Children and Their Families

Abstract

Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, a study of 77 families was undertaken to examine the long-term psychosocial effects of cancer on children and their families. This paper focuses specifically on the findings in relation to the parents' subgroup of the overall study. Key findings were that the majority of parents and their children readjust to ordinary family life following completion of treatment. Gender differences in parents' coping mechanisms emerged. The period immediately following the cessation of treatment can create feelings of isolation and vulnerability, and many parents have ongoing worries about their child's continued well-being.     

Social Challenges for Children With Hemophilia: Child and Parent Perspectives

The impact of pediatric chronic illness on peer relations and social adjustment in nine school-aged boys with hemophilia was examined using qualitative interview methods. Literature on boys' psychosocial development provided a theoretical perspective to interpret findings. Three main themes emerged from the interviews: Awareness of difference, efforts to conceal difference, and efforts to connect with peers and friends. Findings suggest that hemophilia may be a socially stigmatizing condition for many boys because it limits gender-typical interactions with same-sex peers. Recommendations are offered for research on interventions to assist children in communicating with peers about their health condition and to involve close friends and parents in such interventions.     

A Collaborative Model for Research: Neurodevelopmental Effects of HIV-1 in Children and Adolescents With Hemophilia as an Example

In this article we describe a model developed for a longitudinal neuropsychological investigation of pediatric hemophilia patients. The model could be applied to study the neurobehavioral outcomes of other chronic childhood disorders to allow for comparison among illness and disease groups. The primary psychology research questions in this study concern the effects of hemophilia and HIV-1-the AIDS virus--on the development of children with hemophilia in 9 areas of psychological functioning. We present data regarding type and severity of hemophilia, socioeconomic status, developmental and educational history, and immune functioning at enrollment. We briefly review baseline neuropsychological data in relation to the demographic, educational, and medical history data, and we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of multisite collaborative longitudinal studies as well. Finally, we discuss the potential for this study to advance knowledge regarding the effects of both hemophilia and HIV-1 on the developing child.     

Re-Accessing Community Mental Health Services for Children and Adolescents

The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research - A substantial number of children experience persistent or recurrent problems and may need more than one episode of care. However, there is...     

Development of a Self-Efficacy Scale for Children and Adolescents With Epilepsy

The purpose of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of a Seizure Self-Efficacy Scale for Children (SSES-C). An initial pool of test items was generated using a variety of resources, including literature reviews, child self-efficacy measures from other chronic diseases, and self-efficacy measures for adult patients with epilepsy. Experts in the field of self-efficacy, chronic illness self-management, and behavioral management of seizure disorders were asked to evaluate item content and readability. The scale was administered via computer-assisted telephone interviews to 175 children ages 9 through 14 years who had had epilepsy for 6 months or more. Content validity of the SSES-C was ensured by 80% agreement on test items by experts. The final version of the scale has 15 items. Construct validity was supported by factor analysis and correlation of the SSES-C to other constructs of influence on the health behavior of children with epilepsy. Specifically, the SSES-C was significantly correlated with attitude toward illness, worry, unmet needs for psychosocial care, child depression, and child self-concept. Internal consistency reliability for the measure was also adequate (a = .93). The primary result of this study was the development of an easily administered and useful 15-item scale to measure the degree of self-efficacy experienced by children and adolescents related to the management of their seizure disorder. The SSES-C is a promising questionnaire that has potential for use as a clinical and research tool to measure self-efficacy in children with seizures.     

Reconnecting Homeless Adolescents and Their Families: Correlates of Participation in a Family Intervention

Prevention Science - Behavioral family interventions are an effective way to intervene to prevent negative developmental outcomes for adolescents. Participation in family interventions encompasses...     

Psychosocial Issues of Children and Families with HIV/AIDS

The complex psychosocial issues for families who have a child diagnosed with HIV infection present a series of unique challenges for all health care providers. All members of the interdiciplinary team must be knowledgeable about these factors in providing all aspects of care to the child within the context of the family unit. Fear and secrecy are at the core of all persons living with HIV and AIDS, and health care providers must respond with compassion, empathy and sensitivity. The issues that will be discussed address the multiple factors that most frequently impact on a family's ability to function following their child's diagnosis of HIV infection or clinical AlDS and through the bereavement process. Concerns related to school attendance and the use of community services will be highlighted.     

Readability of Educational Materials to Support Parent Sexual Communication With Their Children and Adolescents

Sexual communication is a principal means of transmitting sexual values, expectations, and knowledge from parents to their children and adolescents. Many parents seek information and guidance to support talking with their children about sex and sexuality. Parent education materials can deliver this guidance but must use appropriate readability levels to facilitate comprehension and motivation. This study appraised the readability of educational materials to support parent sexual communication with their children. Fifty brochures, pamphlets, and booklets were analyzed using the Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) index methods. Mean readability grade-level scores were 8.3 (range = 4.5–12.8), 9.7 (range = 5.5–14.9), and 10.1 (range = 6.7–13.9), respectively. Informed by National Institutes of Health–recommended 6th to 7th grade levels and American Medical Association–recommended 5th to 6th grade levels, percentages falling at or below the 7.0 grade level were calculated as 38%, 12%, and 2% and those falling at or below the 6.0 grade level were calculated as 12%, 2%, and 0% based on the Flesch-Kincaid, Gunning Fog, and SMOG methods, respectively. These analyses indicate that the majority of educational materials available online to support parents’ communication with their children about sex and sexuality do not meet the needs of many or most parents. Efforts to improve the accessibility of these materials are warranted.     

Adolescents With Diabetes: Gender Differences in Psychosocial Functioning and Glycemic Control

This study evaluated gender differences in glycemic control among adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Drawing upon a conceptual model, the role of diabetes-specific and psychological variables in predicting gender differences in adolescents' glycemic control was examined. Following routine appointments for medical care, 42 adolescents with IDDM completed several measures: Test of Diabetes Knowledge and Problem Solving-Revised; Self-Care Inventory; Beck Depression Inventory; and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Metabolic control was assessed via HbA[sub 1c] assays. Findings revealed that girls were in worse metabolic control than boys and reported more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, gender differences in metabolic control could be explained by the greater depressive symptomatology reported by adolescent girls. Possible reasons for the linkage between depression and poor metabolic control are discussed, as well as directions for future research and clinical implications.     

Lekotek: A Unique Play Library for Families With Handicapped Children

Long established in Scandinavia, several Lekoteks have recently opened in the united States Lekotek provides a play library for families with children with special needs. Although the Lekotek prograqm is relatively simple and inexpensive it serves a unique fuctions because it meets particular needs that other programs for the handicapped do not. Unlike most remedial or therapeutic programs. Lekotek focuses on positive playful interaction between children and parents thus putting the handicapped child in a normal context. This paper describes how and why Lekotek is so valuable to the families who use it.     

Identification of Medical and Nonmedical Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults With Spina Bifida and Their Families: A Preliminary Study

We sought to identify the needs of adolescents and young adults with spina bifida and the needs of their families. Using a qualitative research approach, we met with focus group participants who provided us with information about their met and unmet needs. These efforts resulted in the development of two needs assessment questionnaires: one for young people with spina bifida and one for their parents. Our results provide preliminary information regarding needs of these populations.     

Strengthening Incarcerated Families: Evaluating a Pilot Program for Children of Incarcerated Parents and Their Caregivers

Parental incarceration can be devastating for families. Children may experience difficulties, and the stress on caregivers who take on unexpected childrearing is high. The authors implemented and evaluated a family‐level intervention with caregivers and children experiencing parental (typically maternal) incarceration in a community setting. The authors partnered with a community‐based organization serving families with an incarcerated parent to conduct a pilot trial of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP). Process evaluation indicated high implementation fidelity, satisfaction, engagement, and attendance. Outcome evaluation results indicated positive changes in family‐level functioning, caregivers' positive parenting, and caregiver depression symptoms from pre‐ to postintervention, with some changes retained at follow‐up 4 months later. Implications for preventive interventions with children of incarcerated parents and their caregivers, are discussed.