Einflussfaktoren von Bedürfnissen 8- bis 13-jähriger an Krebs erkrankter Kinder: Ergebnisse einer Querschnittstudie

Diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer are accompanied by a variety of physical and psychosocial demands. The study presented here identified sociodemographic, medical, and biopsychosocial determinants of needs in the areas of physical support, emotional stress support, social participation, as well as security and sense of control that may be used to prevent psychosocial harm in young oncology patients.

The participants (N = 117; aged 8–13) of the cross-sectional study were queried with a child-specific need questionnaire (KiWuF-PädOnk). Multiple linear regressions were performed.

The need for physical support was significantly influenced by the diagnosis, time since diagnosis, and quality of life at school. Type of school and psychological quality of life had the greatest effect on the need for emotional stress support. Especially quality of life at school was an essential determinant. It predicted the need for social participation and the need for security and sense of control.

Beyond quality of life at school, type of school appeared to be a relevant factor suggesting that social circumstances may have an impact on the needs of children with cancer. Further research in this context is indicated to optimize support for young oncology patients.