The Health-Related Quality of Life of Children Admitted for Cancer Management

Authors

  • S'thembiso Charles Tembe Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘ School of therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7697-6363
  • Denise Franzsen Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘ School of therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8295-6329
  • Lyndsay Koch Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘ School of therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7440-2331
  • Patricia de Witt Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘ School of therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: South African children with cancer are admitted to specialised oncology units for the duration of their treatment in the public health system. These units are thus a temporary environment for varying periods of time, which disrupts the children's participation in daily activities and consequently their Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL).

Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital with a specialist oncology unit in Gauteng to determine the HRQoL of children admitted with cancer from their own and their parent's perspective. Structured interviews were conducted with the children aged 8-12 years using the PedsQLTM Generic Core Scale (4.0) and Cancer Module (3.0). The parent's perspective was explored using the Parents proxies form of the PedsQLTM scales.

Results: Twenty-five children and their parents participated in the study. Most children in the sample were males and Leukaemia and chemotherapy being the most common diagnosis and treatment received. All children and parents reported the children's functioning at an intermediate level on the Generic Core Scale (4.0) and on the Cancer Module (3.0) that schooling and emotional functioning were most affected. This suggests that these children are at risk for HRQoL deficits.  This study also found that parents under- and over-estimated their children's HRQoL in various domains

Conclusion: This study indicates the need for occupational therapists to understand the occupational disruption experienced by children during the treatment of cancer and monitor and provide support for this, to reduce the effect of impaired HRQoL.

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Author Biographies

  • S'thembiso Charles Tembe, Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘ School of therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand

    Qualifications BOT (UKZN), PG Dip Pal Med (UCT) MSc OT (Wits)

    1. Postgraduate student 

      Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘
      School of therapeutic Sciences,
      Faculty of Health Sciences
      University of Witwatersrand

    Chief Occupational Therapist- Eastern Cape Department of Education

  • Denise Franzsen, Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘ School of therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand

    Qualifications: BSc OT (Wits), MSc OT (Wits), DHT (Pret) PhD.

    Sessional senior lectuer, 

    Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘

    University of Witwatersrand

  • Lyndsay Koch, Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘ School of therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand

    Qualifications: BSc OT (UFS), MSc OT (Wits), 

    Lectuer, 

    Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘
    School of therapeutic Sciences,
    Faculty of Health Sciences
    University of Witwatersrand

  • Patricia de Witt, Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘ School of therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand

    Qualifications: DOT (Pret), MSc OT (Wits) PhD.

    Sessional Adjunct Professor, 

    Department of Occupational Therapy, ‘
    School of therapeutic Sciences,
    Faculty of Health Sciences
    University of Witwatersrand

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Published

19-04-2021

How to Cite

The Health-Related Quality of Life of Children Admitted for Cancer Management. (2021). South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51(1), 44. https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajot/article/view/19464
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