Autor(es):
Batalha, Luís Manuel da Cunha 
; Fernandes, Ananda Maria ; Campos, Diana Catarina Ferreira de ; Gonçalves, Ana Maria Pacheco Mendes Perdigão Costa
Data: 2014
Origem: Repositório Científico da Escola Superior de Enfermagem de Coimbra
Assunto(s): nursing; pain; Child; Cancer;
Descrição
Problem statement
It is essential to understand the quality of life of children and their parents so as to design interventions aimed at promoting such quality of life. This study was intended to describe the quality of life of children with cancer and their parents and how they correlate with each other.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in two pediatric oncology wards using a sample composed of 36 children and their parents. Children aged between 8 and 18 years were consecutively selected during 6 months. In the first day of hospitalization, both the child and one of the parents filled in, simultaneously and independently, the self-report (child) and the proxy-report (parents) versions of the PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module.
Results
Children's median age was 13.5 (8 - 17) years, while the parents' median age was 42.9 (29-59) years. The highest scores of perceived quality of life were found, with regards to children, in the dimensions "communication", 77.5 (±20.6), and "physical appearance", 70.6 (± 26.5); and, with regards to parents, in the dimensions "anxiety in treatments", 83.1 (±25.8), and "physical appearance", 79.2 (±23.5). The lowest scores were found in the dimension "nausea" both for children, 52.8 (±3.0), and parents, 51.3 (±19.1). The quality of life that was reported by children, 61.4 (±15.6), and their parents, 66.2 (±14.8), was correlated (r= 0.405; p< 0.05).
Conclusion
This study shows that the quality of life perceived by both children and their parents is correlated, thus confirming the engagement of both in the search for better solutions for potential problem sources. Health professionals should pay more attention to pain and discomfort (dimension "nausea").
