3 research outputs found
Impact of COVID-19 on Lifestyle Habits and Emotional State of Childhood Cancer Survivors and Their Parents
Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing measures affected the physical and emotional state of children and parents worldwide. Survivors of childhood cancer may be particularly vulnerable to these effects. We aimed to evaluate the lifestyle habits and emotional states of childhood cancer survivors and their parents during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Lifestyle habits and emotional distress were assessed in 43 childhood cancer survivors (aged 8â21 years) and their parents before and during the COVID-19 lockdown, using the PROMIS anxiety and depression modules and the âMabat Youthâ questionnaire. Results: Most parents (80.5%) reported eating more family meals during home confinement compared to their usual routine. Patientsâ physical activity levels did not change significantly during confinement, leisure-related screen time nearly doubled (p p = 0.006). Anxiety levels of children (p = 0.045) and parents (p = 0.02) increased during confinement compared to pre-pandemic levels, with no significant changes in depression levels. Conclusions: Contrary to concerns regarding lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 lockdown, eating behaviors of childhood cancer survivors improved, sleep duration increased, and physical activity remained unchanged. Still, screen time increased significantly. Parents of childhood cancer survivors reported higher anxiety levels for themselves and their children during home confinement. Our findings may assist medical and psycho-social teams in guiding parents of cancer survivors during similar circumstances in the future