Families of Young Pediatric Cancer Survivors: A Cross-Sectional Survey Examining Physical Activity Behavior and Health-Related Quality of Life

Abstract

The present study examined physical activity levels within young families of pediatric cancer survivors and the relationship between physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQL). Nineteen families were recruited, including 33 parents, 17 pediatric cancer survivors, and 10 siblings. Families completed a self-report survey on background information, physical activity levels, and PedsQL generic core scale for child HRQL. Results of this cross-sectional study indicate that families were generally active, with mothers more frequently participating in overall physical activity (P < .001). Within families, parent-child physical activity levels were associated, but not survivor-sibling physical activity. Survivors and siblings did not differ in their self-reported physical activity levels or HRQL, and no association was observed between physical activity and HRQL. However, discrepancies between sibling self-report and parent proxy-reported HRQL were notable. Overall, results from this exploratory pilot work will assist in further research into physical activity behaviors and HRQL in families of pediatric cancer survivors.The nurse should consider the varied experiences of family members, particularly those of siblings, through long-term follow-up.

Physical activity in child and adolescent cancer survivors: a review

“…As children grow older, this relation becomes less consistent (Gustafson & Rhodes, 2006; Heitzler et al, 2006; Sallis et al, 2000), with the influence of parental PA diminishing during adolescence and being replaced by sibling and peer PA (Duncan et al, 2007; Sallis et al, 2000). A recent study of 17 childhood cancer survivors aged 10 to 17 evaluated relations between family PA and child/adolescent cancer survivors’ PA (Norris, Moules, Pelletier, Culos-Reed, 2010). Survivors’ PA was related to maternal PA, but not father or sibling PA.…”

Influences and Barriers on Physical Activity in Pediatric Oncology Patients

“…Example questions include: “For a pupil who has returned to school during/after treatment for cancer how much would you expect that pupil to participate in PA (PE)?,” and “If extra PE were prescribed for a pupil returning to school during or after successful treatment for cancer, e.g. an additional 25 minutes of PE per day, could your school accommodate?” Several studies implemented the use of cross-sectional self-reported surveys (16–19). The Godwin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire was used by several studies to evaluate the PA levels in pediatric oncology patients (16, 17, 20).…”

“…an additional 25 minutes of PE per day, could your school accommodate?” Several studies implemented the use of cross-sectional self-reported surveys (16–19). The Godwin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire was used by several studies to evaluate the PA levels in pediatric oncology patients (16, 17, 20). The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0 was used to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQL) (16).…”

“…The Godwin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire was used by several studies to evaluate the PA levels in pediatric oncology patients (16, 17, 20). The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0 was used to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQL) (16). PA metabolic equivalent (METs) hours per week were assessed by measuring oxygen consumption.…”

Physical Activity and Pediatric Cancer Survivorship

“…A recent study (Norris et al 2010) reported a significant correlation between the PA levels of parents and those of child survivors.…”