Parental distress during pediatric leukemia and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after treatment ends

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate prospectively the association between parental anxiety during treatment for childhood leukemia and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after treatment ends. A secondary goal is to explore concurrent variables associated with parental avoidance after treatment ends.

Methods: This is a longitudinal follow-up study of 113 parents of children treated for leukemia who previously participated in a study of procedural distress during treatment. Data included parental self-report questionnaires completed during treatment and after treatment.

Results: Using hierarchical multiple regression, we found anxiety during treatment to be a significant predictor of later PTSS for mothers, but not fathers. Anxiety, self-efficacy, posttraumatic growth and length of time since treatment ended were associated with parental avoidance.

Conclusions: Highly anxious parents are at risk for PTSS and may benefit from approaches that decrease anxiety during treatment and afterward. Enhancing self-efficacy related to follow-up care and identifying positive aspects of the traumatic experiences are suggested as treatment approaches for families after cancer treatment.