Fear of cancer recurrence experienced by pediatric survivors of childhood cancer: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: In contrast to the extensive literature on fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) experienced by adults, literature evaluating pediatric FCR has just begun to emerge. Given the rapidly expanding body of work assessing FCR in childhood and adolescence, a scoping review was conducted to synthesize existing findings. We aimed to assess (1) the characteristics and methods of this literature, (2) how pediatric FCR has been measured, and (3) the extant knowledge of FCR experienced by pediatric survivors of cancer. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were: (1) original reports, (2) participants diagnosed with cancer before age 18, (3) current mean age under 18, (4) FCR was explicitly measured (quantitatively) or captured (qualitatively) via survivor self-report, and (6) published in English. Exclusion criteria were: (1) case studies, and (2) grey literature. Three databases (Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) and reference lists from included studies were searched. All studies were screened for inclusion by two authors and all data were extracted by a single author. RESULTS: Of 3906 identified studies, 19 were included. Studies (published 1991 - 2023) encompassed diverse geographical locations, study designs, and measurement methods. Few assessed FCR as a primary aim (n = 6, 32%). FCR was experienced by 43 - 90% of pediatric survivors. FCR was often positively associated with somatic symptoms and negatively associated with quality of life and emotional functioning. CONCLUSION: FCR is a prevalent issue for children and adolescents. Additional evidence is needed to explore and confirm preliminary findings. Future pediatric FCR studies should aim to align with published priority research areas.

Factors That Contribute to the Mental Health of Black Youth during COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The mental health of Black youth during the COVID-19 pandemic is potentially influenced by various systemic factors, including racism, socioeconomic disparities, and access to culturally sensitive mental health support. Understanding these influences is essential for developing effective interventions to mitigate mental health disparities. METHODS: Our project used a community-based participatory (CBP) research design with an intersectional theoretical perspective. An advisory committee consisting of fourteen Black youth supported all aspects of our project. The research team consisted of experienced Black researchers who also trained six Black youths as research assistants and co-researchers. The co-researchers conducted individual interviews, contributed to data analysis, and mobilized knowledge. Participants were recruited through the advisory committee members and networks of Black youth co-researchers and sent an email invitation to Black community organizations. Forty-eight Black identified were interviewed between the ages of 16 and 30 in Canada. The data was analyzed thematically. We kept a reflexive note throughout all aspects of the project. RESULTS: Participants reported significant challenges with online schooling, including a lack of support and access to resources. Lockdowns exacerbated stress, particularly for those living in toxic living/home environments. Financial burdens, such as food insecurity and precarious employment, were prevalent and exacerbated mental health challenges. Additionally, experiences of anti-Black racism and police brutality during the pandemic heightened stress and anxiety among participants. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the complex interplay of systemic factors in shaping the mental health of Black youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions that address structural inequities and provide culturally competent support to mitigate the impact on mental well-being.

Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV care continuum and related factors in economically disadvantaged nations: an integrated analysis using mixed-methods systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the self-management and care of people living with HIV, requiring adaptations in the way health services are provided. However, it is unclear how these changes impacted HIV care in low-income countries. METHODS: A systematic review including the current evidence related to changes in HIV care continuum during COVID-19 was conducted through a systematic search in the online databases including CINAHL, OVID-Medline, CAB Direct, and OVID-Embase. A two-step screening process was carried out to include eligible papers and reports according to inclusion criteria. RESULTS: From the searches we identified 21 total studies published between 2021 and 2024, the studies revealed mostly negative impacts on all stages of the HIV care continuum in low-income countries. There were impacts related to the blocking measures due to COVID-19, fear of contracting the disease, difficulties in providing resources such as income, food and transports, reductions in the provision of care from prevention to viral suppression. CONCLUSION: Overall, researchers identified several negative impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on HIV care continuum during pandemic; however, some observations indicated indirect positive impacts on some aspects of HIV care. Decline in HIV care practices during pandemic compared to before pandemic were observed including using preventative methods, counseling and testing, receiving HIV healthcare services, HIV medical appointments, antiretroviral adherence, engagement with treatment, and poor viral suppression. However, in some evidence improvement in ART adherence and PrEP use were observed.