Post-traumatic stress in parents of long-term childhood cancer survivors compared to parents of the Swiss general population

Abstract

Background: We describe post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents of longterm childhood cancer survivors (CCS-parents) and compare them to parents of similar-aged children (comparison-parents) of the Swiss general population (SGP). We compare type of reported stressful event, prevalence of PTSS and PTSD, and psychosocial and cancer-related characteristics associated with PTSS. We further describe the respective normative data for the SGP. Methods: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey in a population-based sample of long-term CCS-parents (survivors aged 16 years at diagnosis, ≥20 years at study, >5 years post-diagnosis) and in the SGP. Using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, we measured PTSS regarding the most stressful event experienced, and computed probable cases of PTSD. Results: Participants included 663 CCS-parents (39.4% fathers) and 1035 individuals of the SGP (40.0% male), of which we identified 391 comparisonparents (41.2% fathers). Illness was most often indicated as stressful event (CCS-parents: 49.5%, comparison-parents: 27.6%, SGP: 25.3%). Prevalence of PTSS and PTSD (CCS-parents: 4.8%, comparison-parents: 6.7%, SGP: 5.6%) did not significantly differ. Lower education was associated with higher intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal in all samples (all P .003). Parents of children with a chronic illness reported higher intrusion (all P .004). We found no associations with cancer-related characteristics. Conclusions: No increased risk for PTSS or PTSD was found among CCS-parents. Individuals with lower education and those with a chronically ill child might benefit from additional support to help manage and resolve the stress symptoms in the long term.

Psychosocial functioning of parents of Dutch long‐term survivors of childhood cancer

“…A small proportion (3%) of participating parents experienced symptomatic post‐traumatic stress, which is similar to that reported for Dutch parents of an ill child (3%) 27 . This seems low compared to 6%–30% that previous research described in parents of a younger survivor child, 1 but is in line with the finding that Swiss parents of CCS are not at increased risk for post‐traumatic stress on the long‐term 12 . Nevertheless, parents who experience these symptoms from their child's cancer on the long‐term may be in need of support 6 .…”

Providing Psychological Support to Parents of Childhood Cancer Survivors: ‘Cascade’ Intervention Trial Results and Lessons for the Future

“…Despite the benefits of cancer treatment, this can be a vulnerable time for parents/caregivers, who can experience poor quality of life (QOL),_ENREF_9 anxiety, depression, loneliness _ENREF_8 [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], and fear of their child’s cancer recurring [ 4 , 5 ]. Without intervention, parents’ distress can last years [ 5 , 8 ]. Families in rural or remote settings have less access to psychosocial support [ 9 , 10 ] and experience more cancer-related financial impacts [ 11 ] than metropolitan families, placing them at greatest risk of poor outcomes [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Quality of life in mothers and fathers of children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Sweden, Finland and Denmark

“…Most studies regarding parents of children previously treated for cancer have focused on mental health, coping strategies and post‐traumatic stress (PTS) 9–14 . Few studies have investigated overall HRQOL in parents after treatment with regard to social and physical functioning 15,16 .…”

“…[6][7][8] Most studies regarding parents of children previously treated for cancer have focused on mental health, coping strategies and post-traumatic stress (PTS). [9][10][11][12][13][14] Few studies have investigated overall HRQOL in parents after treatment with regard to social and physical functioning. 15,16 Previous studies have often included heterogenous patient groups treated according to diverse protocols, which limits their generalisability for children treated for ALL.…”