Cross-sectional assessment of the quality of life of caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer using the generic instrument â36 item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaireâ / AvaliaÃÃo transversal da qualidade de vida de cuidadores de crianÃas e adolescentes com cÃncer por meio de um instrumento genÃrico â â36 item short form health survey questionnaireâ(SF-36)

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2007

RESUMO

Cancer in children and adolescents can compromise the health and well being of both patients and their family members. Over time, exposure to pain, suffering and the likelihood of death become sources of emotional, family and social instability, particularly for the parents who tend to be directly responsible for their childrenâs care. The objective of the present study were to assess health related quality of life (HRQL) of caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer using a generic instrument â 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) and to verify the psychometric properties of this instrument. The SF-36 was completed by 73 caregivers (mean age =38.4 years; SD=8.5) of children and adolescents with cancer (mean age =10.4 years; SD=3.7). The scores achieved for SF-36 domains were compared to scores of caregivers who had no chronic diseases (mean age=37.2 years; SD=9.1) who cared for healthy children and adolescents (control group), according to cancer type (central nervous system, leukemias and solid tumors), treatment phase and presence of chronic disease or mood disorder in caregivers. The psychometric properties (data quality, reliability and validity) of the SF-36 were verified. The reliability (Chronbachâs alpha coefficient>0.5) and the discriminant validity proved acceptable for all domains of the questionnaire. The scores achieved by caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer were significantly lower than scores of the control group (p<0.05) on both physical and mental components. Mood disorder in caregivers correlated with physical and mental function compromise as well as presence of chronic disease for functional capacity only (p<0.05). There was no significant difference amongst scores achieved according to cancer type or treatment phase. The Brazilian version of the SF-36 is valid for assessing health related quality of life (HRQL) of caregivers of children and adolescents with cancer. These caregivers present a significant negative impact on both physical and psychosocial function.

ASSUNTO(S)

adolescentes crianÃas adolescents caregivers tumores na adolescÃncia cÃncer qualidade de vida children tumores em crianÃas ciencias da saude cuidadores cancer quality of life

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