Impact of Sociodemographic Factors, Stress, and Communication on Quality of Life in Survivors of Pediatric Cancer

Abstract

Background: While most research has largely focused on medical risks associated with reduced quality of life (QOL) in survivors, sociodemographic and family factors may also play a role. Thus, we examined sociodemographic factors and family factors associated with survivor QOL, including adolescent’s cancer-specific stress, mother’s general stress, and mother–adolescent communication. Methods: Mothers ( N=80) and survivors (ages 10-23, N=50) were assessed 5 years following initial diagnosis. Mothers completed measures regarding sociodemographic background adolescent’s cancer-specific stress, mother’s general stress, mother–adolescent communication, and adolescent QOL. Survivors also reported on their own QOL. Two hierarchical multiple regressions examined predictors of: (a) mother’s report of adolescent QOL and (b) survivor’s self-report of QOL. Results: The final model predicting mother-reported adolescent QOL was significant, F(5,74)=21.18, p<.001, and explained 59% of the variance in QOL. Significant predictors included adolescent stress ( β=-0.37, p<.001), mothers’ stress ( β=-0.42, p<.001), and communication ( β=0.19, p=.03). The final model predicting survivor-reported QOL was also significant, F(5,44)=5.16, p<.01 and explained 24% of the variance in QOL. Significant predictors included adolescent stress ( β=-.37, p=.01) and communication ( β=-.31, p=.04). Sociodemographic factors were not a significant predictor of QOL in any model. Conclusion: Family stress and communication offer potential points of intervention to improve QOL of pediatric cancer survivors from mother and survivor perspectives. While additional research is needed, healthcare professionals should encourage stress management and strong mother–child communication to enhance survivors’ long-term QOL. Such interventions may be helpful, irrespective of known sociodemographic factors that often affect health.