Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Families with a Child in Cancer Treatment

Creator(s)

Carolyn R. Bates, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Mirae Fornander, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
Meredith Dreyer, Children's Mercy Kansas CityFollow
Lynne Covitz, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow
Rachel Moore, Children's Mercy HospitalFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Identifier

DOI: 10.1080/02739615.2023.2222619

Abstract

The COVID−19 pandemic may have uniquely impacted families of children in cancer treatment. Primary caregivers (N = 47) completed validated measures of COVID−19 exposure, impact, and psychosocial distress between July 2020 and January 2021. Caregivers reported several pandemic-related disruptions to daily life (COVID−19 exposure) and a negative impact of the pandemic on caregiver mood (70%) and anxiety (72%). A subset of caregivers reported a positive impact of the pandemic on physical wellbeing and family functioning. Family psychosocial distress was associated with higher COVID−19 exposure but not COVID−19 impact. Results highlight family resilience as well as groups with unmet psychosocial needs.

Journal Title

Children's Health Care

Volume

52

Issue

3

First Page

241

Last Page

262

Comments

This work was supported by the Children’s Mercy Cancer Center Auxiliary Research Fund.

Recommended Citation

Bates, C. R., Fornander, M. J., Dreyer Gillette, M. L., Covitz, L. M., & Moore, R. M. (2023). Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Families with a Child in Cancer Treatment. Children’s Health Care, 53(3), 241–262. https://doi.org/10.1080/02739615.2023.2222619