Cancer-related stress in childhood cancer survivorship: Prevalence and associations with perceptions of health risks and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: Limited research has characterized cancer-related stress (CRS) among families of childhood cancer survivors. We examined the prevalence of CRS among survivors and caregivers, as well as its association with health risk perceptions (i.e., prognosis, risk for diminished quality of life) and views of survivor quality of life (QoL). METHODS: At five years post-diagnosis or relapse, survivors (n = 100; Mage  = 15.84 years; 89% White), mothers (n = 127), and fathers (n = 59) reported their CRS. Perceived prognosis and risk for diminished QoL were rated on a 0%-100% visual analogue scale, while the PedsQL assessed QoL. RESULTS: CRS was low (M = 1.6-1.8, scale: 1-4); mothers reported greater stress than survivors, p = 0.038, d = 0.25. There was an indirect effect of survivors' perceived prognosis on their QoL through CRS, CI = 0.04 to 0.25, R2  = 0.32. Among mothers, there was an indirect effect of perceived prognosis/risk for diminished QoL on their reports of survivor QoL through CRS, CI = 0.03 to 0.23 and -0.15 to -0.03, R2  = 0.28 and 0.32, respectively. There were no indirect effects among fathers. CONCLUSIONS: CRS may be an important, modifiable factor that could improve survivors' QoL. Research is needed to examine how CRS changes over time to assess the utility of interventions among female survivors, mothers, and those with lower prognosis estimates.

Impact of sociodemographic factors, stress, and communication on health-related quality of life in survivors of pediatric cancer.

BACKGROUND: While most research has largely focused on medical risks associated with reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in survivors, sociodemographic and family factors may also play a role. Thus, we longitudinally examined sociodemographic factors and family factors associated with survivor HRQOL, including adolescent's cancer-specific stress, mother's general stress, and mother-adolescent communication. METHODS: Mothers (N = 80) and survivors (ages 10-23, N = 50) were assessed 5 years following initial diagnosis. Mothers completed measures regarding sociodemographic background adolescent's cancer-specific stress, mother's general stress, mother-adolescent communication, and adolescent HRQOL. Survivors also reported on their own HRQOL. Two hierarchical multiple regressions examined predictors of (a) mother's report of adolescent HRQOL, and (b) survivor's self-report of HRQOL. RESULTS: The final model predicting mother-reported adolescent HRQOL was significant, F(5,74) = 21.18, p < .001, and explained 59% of the variance in HRQoL. Significant predictors included adolescent stress (ß = -.37, p < .001), mothers' stress (ß = -.42, p < .001), and communication (ß = .19, p = .03). The final model predicting survivor-reported HRQOL was also significant, F(5,44) = 5.16, p < .01 and explained 24% of the variance in HRQOL. Significant predictors included adolescent stress (ß = -.37, p = .01) and communication (ß = -.31, p = .04). Sociodemographic factors were not a significant predictor of HRQOL in any model. CONCLUSION: Family stress and communication offer potential points of intervention to improve HRQOL of pediatric cancer survivors from mother and survivor perspectives. While additional research is needed, healthcare professionals should encourage stress management and strong mother-child communication to enhance survivors' long-term HRQOL. Such interventions may be complimentary to efforts targeting the known sociodemographic factors that often affect health.

The study of psychosocial outcomes of parents bereaved by pediatric illness: a scoping review of methodology and sample composition.

OBJECTIVE: Parents of children who died of a medical condition experience a range of psychosocial outcomes. The current scoping review aims to summarize the outcomes assessed, methodology, and sample characteristics of recent psychosocial research conducted with this population. METHODS: Included studies were limited to peer-reviewed, psychosocial outcomes research published between August 2011 and August 2022, written in English, and including caregiver study participants of children who died of a medical condition. Data sources were scholarly journal articles from 9 electronic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Primer, ProQuest Research Library, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection, and Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool-2018 evaluated methodological quality. RESULTS: The study sample included 106 studies, most of which were either qualitative (60%) or quantitative (29%). Mixed-methods studies (8%) and randomized clinical trials (2%) were also identified. Study quality was variable, but most studies met all quality criteria (73%). Studies primarily represented cancer populations (58%), White participants (71%), and mothers (66%). Risk-based psychosocial outcomes (e.g., grief) were more commonly assessed than resilience-based outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The current scoping review revealed that recent research assessing the psychosocial outcomes of bereaved parents is limited in the representation of diverse populations, primarily qualitative, of broadly strong methodological quality, and oriented to psychosocial risk. To enhance the state of the science and inform evidence-based psychosocial services, future research should consider varied methodologies to comprehensively assess processes of risk and resilience with demographically and medically diverse populations.

Pilot Testing Transcreated Spanish-Language Study Materials for Symptom Research With Infants and Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Rising admission rates of Hispanic/Latinx families to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have increased the number of non-English-speaking individuals who may wish to participate in research studies. However, a lack of appropriately translated research study materials may limit the opportunity for these families to be involved in research that could impact the care that infants and families receive in the NICU. PURPOSE: The primary purpose was to pilot test study materials that were transcreated from English to Spanish with the assistance of a bilingual community advisory board with Spanish-speaking parents of NICU infants. METHODS: A total of 19 Spanish-speaking parents (15 mothers and 4 fathers) who were representative of the population of interest completed paper-and-pencil surveys, along with a cognitive interview. Preliminary data related to decision-making and goals of care, infant symptoms, and their experiences in the NICU were also collected. RESULTS: The internal reliability of the transcreated study instruments ranged from good to excellent (α= 0.82-0.99). Participants reported that study materials were not offensive and did not make them feel uncomfortable; however, they found some words/phrases to be confusing. Parents had the opportunity to provide suggested wording changes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Language barriers and a lack of cultural responsiveness can affect the care that infants and their families receive. More accurate and culturally appropriate transcreation of study materials can remove barriers to research participation and facilitate better communication with non-English-speaking families, which may lead to the development of better-informed evidence-based interventions and clinical practices in the NICU.

Initial Development of the Nurse Perception of Infant Condition (NPIC) Scale.

BACKGROUND: More than 350,000 U.S. infants are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) annually and likely experience discomfort. Although nurse perceptions of infant symptoms, suffering, and quality of life (QOL) are valuable, the availability of standardized assessment tools to measure these concepts are limited. PURPOSE: To provide preliminary evidence of the internal structure, reliability, and validity of the Nurse Perception of Infant Condition (NPIC) scale. METHODS: Infants were enrolled from a Level IV NICU in the U.S. Midwest. Nurses reported on their perceptions of the infant symptom experience and their expectations for infant survival. Weekly behavioral observations of infants were obtained before and after standard delivery of care to obtain a comfort score. RESULTS: 237 nurses who cared for 73 infants completed 569 surveys over 28 months. All NPIC items were significantly correlated with each other (P < .001). Factor analysis revealed strong evidence of a 2-factor structure (survival and suffering subscales). Both subscales demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency. Together the 2 factors explained 82% of the variability in the scale responses. Limited validity evidence was found. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Evidence was found to support the internal structure and reliability of the NPIC scale. However, further item development and refinement is needed to increase the utility NPIC scale in clinical and research settings. The development of improved assessments of the infant NICU experience is warranted. Nurse perceptions of infant suffering or poor QOL may have implications for their expectations for infant survival and possibly care delivery.

The experiences of families of children with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative exploration.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges to physical and psychological well-being. Families with pediatric cancer patients were particularly vulnerable due to changes like children staying at home, hospital policy shifts, and caring for an immunocompromised child. Limited research exists on COVID-19's effects on these families. This study aimed to assess the pandemic's impact and identify psychosocial support gaps. METHODS: Participants (N = 256) were parents of children with cancer recruited via Facebook in partnership with Momcology®, a community-based organization for pediatric cancer, between February and May 2021. Qualitative analyses used open-ended responses about the pandemic's impact on the family. RESULTS: Analysis revealed 6 themes, with positive and negative sentiments: family changes (n = 169; 61% negative), social isolation (n = 154; 100% negative), emotional impact (n = 143; 89% negative), school changes (n = 126; 80% negative), health-care changes (n = 111; 96% negative), and physical health (n = 49; 73% negative). Family changes overarched all themes and included financial strains, at-home schooling, and family bonding. Parents highlighted social isolation and the emotional impact of pandemic-related changes. School changes forced parents to balance remote-work and childcare. Health-care changes limited resources and visitation. Parents reported their children were less active and slept less but had fewer illnesses. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Many common pandemic challenges were exacerbated by the stress of caring for a child with cancer. Parents struggled most with loss of social support and feelings of isolation. Careful consideration should be given to providing resources for parents of children with cancer and their families.

Mixed-method examination of factors associated with adolescent decision-making and involvement in care in the context of advanced cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Adolescents with cancer often experience significant symptom burden and aggressive treatment near end-of-life. Increased adolescent involvement in care and decision-making may benefit health outcomes. Limited research has examined factors associated with adolescents' involvement in care in the context of advanced disease. Thus, we examined the impact of background factors and decision-making perceptions on both adolescents' involvement in care and their desired change in involvement. METHODS: Adolescents with advanced cancer (<60% survival or refractory/relapsed disease), ages 10-23 (n = 41; Mage = 15.37), were recruited approximately 1 month after diagnosis to complete measures of decision-making perceptions and their family role. Hierarchical regressions examined the contributions of background factors and decision-making perceptions to adolescents' frequency and desired involvement in their care. Qualitative interviews regarding decision-making were analyzed using deductive analysis. RESULTS: The model examining frequency of involvement in care was significant, F(5,34) = 3.12, p = .02, R2= .31. Older age was the only significant predictor (ß = .13, p= .003). The model examining desired involvement was non-significant, F(5,34) = 2.22, p = .075. Qualitative analysis indicated that (1) older adolescents have more involvement in decision-making, (2) collaborative decision-making occurred between the adolescent and extended family, and (3) adolescents trusted others to make decisions. Integration of qualitative and quantitative data revealed congruence in findings. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Adolescents with advanced cancer, who consider how decisions directly impact them and prefer greater autonomy, may be more involved in their medical care. Research is needed to identify other longitudinal predictors of decision-making and involvement in care. Providers should consider encouraging families to communicate their preferences and engage in shared decision-making.

Factors associated with caregiver strain among mothers and fathers of children with advanced cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize caregiver experiences in the context of advanced pediatric cancer by identifying individual (i.e., demographic factors, stress) and family context factors (i.e., family roles, social support) associated with caregiver strain. METHODS: Families of children (ages 5-25) with advanced cancer (i.e., physician-estimated prognosis < 60%, relapsed/refractory disease) were recruited from a large children's hospital. Mothers (n = 55; 87% White) and fathers (n = 30; 83% White) reported on their caregiver strain, cancer-specific stress, general stress, social support, division of 7 family roles (e.g., medical care of ill child, household chores), and their satisfaction with each role. RESULTS: Parents reported moderate caregiver strain, cancer-specific stress, and general stress, and high social support and satisfaction with family roles. Fathers reported family roles were shared equally, whereas mothers reported either sharing roles or completing them independently. When accounting for income and partnership status, greater caregiver strain for mothers was associated with greater general stress, greater satisfaction with family roles, and lower social support. For fathers, greater caregiver strain was associated only with greater cancer-specific stress. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: In the context of advanced pediatric cancer, fathers may experience caregiver strain as cancer-specific stress increases, whereas mothers' strain may depend on broader family and social factors. Psychosocial providers should address general and cancer-specific stress within families, and provide resources for enhancing mothers' social support. Additional research is needed with larger, more diverse samples to inform future intervention approaches.

Addressing Barriers to Career Development Awards for Early Career Women in Pediatric Psychology.

OBJECTIVE: To provide person and system-level recommendations for supporting early career women in the field of pediatric psychology in writing and submitting National Institutes of Health (NIH) Career Development Award (K award) applications. Recommendations are provided in the context of common barriers, with a focus on practical solutions. METHODS: Publicly available NIH reporter data were compiled to examine rates of funding for Society of Pediatric Psychology (SPP) members. Barriers that women face when initiating programs of research are described and applied to the field of pediatric psychology. RESULTS: Of current SPP members, 3.9% (n = 50) have ever received an NIH K award. Approximately 88.5% of SPP members identify as women, including 89.0% of SPP K award recipients. A table of person- and systems-level recommendations is provided to offer strategies for mentees, mentors/sponsors, institutions, and national organizations to address the barriers discussed. CONCLUSIONS: By addressing gender-specific barriers to submitting K award applications, we hope to increase the number of women K awardees and support the scientific advancement of pediatric psychology.

Preliminary Validation of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: Research suggests families whose infants are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience elevated distress and may have pre-existing risk factors for maladjustment. This study sought to validate the newly developed Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT-NICU/Cardiac Intensive Care Unit [CICU]), a comprehensive screening measure for family psychosocial risk in the NICU. METHODS: The sample included 171 mothers, who completed the PAT-NICU/CICU and other related measures within 2 weeks of their infant's NICU admission at a level 4 unit within a large pediatric hospital. PAT-NICU/CICU scores were compared to a companion risk survey completed by NICU social workers. Test-retest reliability was assessed through repeated measures at 2-month follow-up. RESULTS: Analyses suggest the PAT-NICU/CICU is effective in classifying psychosocial risk. This is supported by statistically significant correlations between the PAT-NICU/CICU and validated measures, in addition to elevated scores on concurrent measures by risk classification. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and acceptability for the PAT-NICU/CICU were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study demonstrates the validity, reliability, and acceptability of the PAT-NICU/CICU as a psychosocial screening tool to aid identification of families who may benefit from supportive services during NICU admission. This new measure is a more comprehensive tool that assesses a wide variety of risk factors and stress responses. However, future studies of this measure are needed with more diverse samples. Prompt screening of NICU parents may facilitate earlier linkage with appropriate levels of resources or intervention. This research is crucial in improving risk assessment and psychosocial care for families in the NICU.

Emotional Well-Being of Pediatric Brain Tumor Survivors and Comparison Peers: Perspectives From Children and Their Parents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the emotional well-being of pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) from the perspective of children's self-reports and parents' reports relative to matched comparison peers (COMP) and their parents. It was hypothesized that PBTS would self-report more depression symptoms, loneliness, and lower self-concept than COMP. We also hypothesized that mothers and fathers of PBTS would report more internalizing symptoms and lower total competence for their children. Age and sex effects were examined in exploratory analyses. METHODS: Families of 187 PBTS and 186 COMP participated across 5 sites. Eligible children in the PBTS group were 8-15 years of age and 1-5 years post-treatment for a primary intracranial tumor without progressive disease. COMP were classmates matched for sex, race, and age. RESULTS: PBTS self-reported lower scholastic, athletic, and social competence, but not more depression, loneliness, or lower global self-worth than COMP. Parents of PBTS reported more internalizing symptoms and lower total competence than parents of COMP. With few exceptions, group differences did not vary as a function of child age and sex. CONCLUSION: PBTS reported diminished self-concept in scholastic, athletic, and social domains, while their parents reported broader challenges with internalizing symptoms and total competence. Discrepancies between self-report and parent report require further study to inform targeted interventions for PBTS. Screening survivors for emotional challenges in follow-up clinic or in school setting may help with the allocation of psychosocial support and services for PBTS and their families.

Inclusion of Spanish-Speaking Families in NICU Symptom Research Using a Community Advisory Board.

BACKGROUND: Admission rates of Hispanic/Latinx families to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are rising, yet knowledge regarding their experiences is limited. Non-English-speaking families are often excluded from research because study measures are not available in their language. The inclusion of these families in NICU research is crucial to understand the impact of cultural and language barriers in infant and family care, and the translation of study measures into Spanish could better ensure that these families' perspectives are included. However, previous research has utilized the standard translation-backtranslation method with which problems have been noted. PURPOSE: This article describes the planning, preparation, and action phases that were completed with the use of a community advisory board (CAB) to prepare and transcreate research study materials from English to Spanish for pilot testing. METHODS: Community members of interest were invited to form the CAB, and 2 meetings were held to review study materials in the English and Spanish versions. Prior to the second meeting, a professional translation company translated study materials from English to Spanish. RESULTS: Feedback from the CAB ensured consistent content and reading levels, and culturally appropriate language usage. The CAB also provided suggestions to the research protocol and advised sensitive methods of recruitment and measure administration. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: More accurate and culturally appropriate transcreation of study measures can reduce barriers to research participation and facilitate better communication with non-English-speaking families in health equity research to better inform evidence-based interventions and clinical practices across diverse groups.

Contraceptive methods and fertility testing in young adult survivors of childhood cancer.

PURPOSE: Reproductive health is important, but often neglected in cancer survivorship care. This study explored contraceptive use and factors associated with fertility testing among young adult survivors of childhood cancer in Germany. METHODS: Young adult survivors of childhood cancer were identified through the German Childhood Cancer Registry and completed a mailed survey. Survivors were queried regarding contraceptive use, reproductive goals, uncertainty about fertility, and completion or interest in fertility testing. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression models were used to calculate Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) as a means of identifying factors associated with completion of and interest in fertility testing. RESULTS: Survivors (N = 472; 57.8% female; aged 23.3 ± 1.5 years, and 14.9 ± 5.0 years from diagnosis), reported high rates of contraceptive use, including 61.2% using a single method, 30.6% dual methods, and 8.1% no/less effective methods. Few survivors had completed fertility testing (13.0%), although 58.8% were interested. Having been diagnosed during adolescence (OR = 2.66, 95%CI: 1.39-5.09), greater uncertainty about fertility (OR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.03-1.31), and use of dual contraceptive methods (OR = 1.94, 95%CI: 1.02-3.69) were associated with having completed fertility testing. Factors associated with interest in fertility testing included goals of wanting to have children (OR = 7.76, 95%CI: 3.01-20.04) and greater uncertainty about fertility (OR = 1.19 95%CI: 1.06-1.33). CONCLUSION: In this sample of young adults who survived childhood cancer, most reported contraceptive use. Few survivors had completed fertility testing, although more than half were interested. Interventions are needed to address potential barriers to fertility testing and help survivors manage fertility-related uncertainty.

Clinicians' perspectives on barriers and facilitators to sperm banking in adolescent males with cancer: a mixed-methods study.

PURPOSE: To examine processes, barriers, and facilitators to sperm banking counseling and decision-making for adolescent males newly diagnosed with cancer from the perspective of clinicians who completed Oncofertility communication training. We also identify opportunities for improvement to inform future interventions and implementation. METHODS: A survey (N=104) and subsequent focus groups (N=15) were conducted with non-physician clinicians practicing in pediatric oncology who completed Oncofertility communication training. RESULTS: Most survey participants were confident in communicating about the impact of cancer on fertility (n=87, 83.7%) and fertility preservation options (n=80, 76.9%). Most participants reported never/rarely using a sperm banking decision tool (n=70, 67.3%), although 98.1% (n=102) said a decision tool with a family-centered approach would be beneficial. Primary themes in the subsequent focus groups included variable processes/workflows (inconsistent approaches to consult initiation; involvement of adolescents, caregivers, and various clinician types; assessment of puberty/sexual experience), structural and psychosocial barriers (cost and logistics, developmental, cultural, clinical acuity/prognosis), and facilitators (educational materials, alternative options for banking). Opportunities and strategies for improvement (including fertility preservation in existing research protocols; additional staffing/resources; oncologist education and buy-in; and development of decision tools) were informed by challenges identified in the other themes. CONCLUSION: Barriers to adolescent sperm banking remain, even among clinicians who have completed Oncofertility training. Although training is one factor necessary to facilitate banking, structural and psychosocial barriers persist. Given the complexities of offering sperm banking to pediatric populations, continued efforts are needed to mitigate structural barriers and develop strategies to facilitate decision-making before childhood cancer treatment.

Implementation of a Post-Baccalaureate Program at a Pediatric Academic Medical Center: A Pathway to Graduate School.

Post-baccalaureate programs are increasingly common and have demonstrated success in preparing students for graduate programs. Most post-baccalaureate programs have a pre-medical focus, and the few existing clinical psychology-focused programs are centered on coursework, situated within a university, costly to students, and/or geared towards career change. The post-baccalaureate program at Nationwide Children's Hospital was created in 2017 and is uniquely positioned within a pediatric academic medical center. The program provides research skill training, mentorship, professional development, and graduate school preparation to employed clinical research coordinators. An early program assessment, based on self-reports, revealed the program attracts diverse participants that are primarily interested in pediatric or child psychology and rate themselves as "somewhat confident" in their current research skills. This manuscript summarizes the three phases of development and key components of the post-baccalaureate program, which can serve as a model to other medical centers interested in developing training programs for research staff, particularly underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Factors associated with mental health service use among families bereaved by pediatric cancer.

OBJECTIVES: We identified types of interventions used by bereaved family members and examined associations with demographic and medical factors. Furthermore, we examined associations between distress and intervention use among bereaved families. METHODS: Bereaved families (n = 85) were recruited from three children's hospitals 3-12 months after their child died of cancer. One eligible sibling (ages 8-17) per family was randomly selected for participation. During home visits 1-year post-death, parents reported on their own and the sibling's intervention use, helpfulness, and dose (self-help books, support groups, therapy, medication), and distress, defined as internalizing, externalizing, and total problems (Adult Self Report, Child Behavior Checklist). RESULTS: Fifty percent of mothers used medications (n = 43); utilization was low among fathers (17%, n = 9) and siblings (5%, n = 4). Individuals with more total problems were more likely to use medications (mothers: rpb = 0.27; p = 0.02; fathers: rpb = 0.32; p = 0.02; siblings: rpb = 0.26; p = 0.02). Mothers and siblings with more total problems used more services (r = 0.24; p = 0.03 and r = 0.29; p = 0.01, respectively). Among mothers, the overall regression was significant, R2 = 0.11, F(2, 80) = 4.954, p = 0.01; the deceased child's age at death was significantly associated with total services used (b = 0.052, p = 0.022). Among fathers, the overall regression was significant, R2 = 0.216, F(3, 49) = 4.492, p = 0.007; race and years of education were significantly associated with total services used (b = 0.750, p = 0.030 and b = 0.154, p = 0.010). Among siblings, the overall regression was significant R2 = 0.088, F(2, 80) = 3.867, p = 0.025; greater total problems were significantly associated with total services used (b = 0.012, p = 0.007). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Although few background factors were related to intervention use, bereaved mothers and siblings may seek services if they have more distress. Healthcare providers should be aware of the types of services that are most often utilized and helpful to bereaved families to connect them with appropriate resources. Future research should investigate other predictors of intervention use and outcomes after the death of a child.

Psychosexual Development and Sexual Functioning in Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Childhood cancer and its treatment can impair survivors' development throughout life, particularly psychosexual development, which can be affected in complex ways and is crucial for survivors' well-being. Yet, research is scarce. AIM: This study assessed psychosexual development (milestone attainment, age at attainment, perceived timing) in young adult survivors of childhood cancer. It further examined sexual satisfaction and sexual functioning, and whether survivors' perceived timing of sexual debut was related to satisfaction or functioning. METHODS: A registry-based nationwide survey was completed by N = 492 German survivors of childhood cancer (age 21-26 years, 6-26 years postdiagnosis). They completed standardized measures of psychosexual milestones (eg, first kiss, sexual debut), sexual satisfaction, and sexual functioning. Psychosexual development was compared to normative data (N = 1,533). OUTCOMES: Psychosexual development, sexual satisfaction, and sexual functioning were the primary outcome measures. Psychosexual development was characterized in three ways: milestone attainment (yes/no), age at attainment, perceived timing ("right" time, too early/late). RESULTS: Milestone attainment was comparable to normative data, except for sexual debut: Survivors were less often experienced (82.5% vs 88%; P = .002) and older at sexual debut (17.4 vs 16.2 years; g = 0.55), but most survivors (58.3%) perceived their timing as "right." Survivors of brain tumors were least likely to have had their sexual debut, but if experienced age at sexual debut was similar to other survivors. Female survivors were somewhat more experienced than males (eg, first kiss, first relationship; <10% difference), but they were somewhat older when they first kissed (g = 0.26). Age at diagnosis was unrelated to milestone attainment. Perceived early/late sexual debut was related to lower satisfaction in female survivors (P = .026), but unrelated to sexual dysfunction. Instead, partnered men reported particularly low dysfunction whereas women reported similar levels of sexual dysfunction irrespective of their relationship status (P = .049). Overall, sexual functioning was favorable (60.2%: not/barely problematic). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Most survivors reported favorable sexual satisfaction and functioning, but a minority of survivors may need supportive services. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This project represents one of few large-scale studies on psychosexual development in childhood cancer survivors relative to normative data, and is the first to link development to sexual satisfaction/functioning. Assessing satisfaction/functioning with validated, but brief measures limits detailed insights, but was inclusive of any sexual orientation. Medical background information based on registry data was limited. CONCLUSION: Results showed normative psychosexual development (except for sexual debut) in most survivors. A self-determined attitude toward sexuality (ie, engaging in sexual activities at the "right" time) may generally determine positive sexual experiences. Lehmann V, Gerhardt CA, Baust K, et al. Psychosexual Development and Sexual Functioning in Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer. J Sex Med 2022;19:1645-1654.

Factors affecting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in parents of children with cancer.

AIM: Little research exists on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy among caregivers of children with cancer. We aimed to (a) describe vaccine hesitancy in parents of children with cancer for both their child and self, and (b) examine the mediating role of parent-reported COVID impact on the association between COVID exposure and vaccine hesitancy. PROCEDURE: We conducted a national survey of parents of children with cancer via Facebook and Momcology, a pediatric cancer community-based organization recruited February-May 2021. Parents completed standardized measures online. A series of mediation models assessed the role of COVID-19 impact (e.g., effects on parenting and well-being) on associations between COVID-19 exposure (e.g., direct/indirect exposure) and vaccine hesitancy. Moderation models examined the role of treatment status, COVID-19 exposure, impact, and vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: Parents (n = 491; 90% mothers; 93% White) reported moderate vaccine hesitancy (M = 2.08, SD = 0.76). Specifically, 18.5% (n = 90) reported they would not vaccinate their child, and 24.4% (n = 119) would only consider vaccination. Parents expressed higher concerns about vaccine side effects for their children (M = 3.01, SD = 0.95) than for themselves (M = 2.61, SD = 1.03; t[479] = 9.07, p < .01). Mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of impact (95% CI [-0.013, -0.001]) on the association between higher exposure and higher vaccine hesitancy (b = .02, p = .06). There was no moderating effect of treatment status. Income remained a significant covariate (b = -.11, p < .01). CONCLUSION: Lower parent-reported COVID exposure, higher COVID impact, concern for side effects, and lower income may be important factors related to vaccine hesitancy among parents of children with cancer. Providers of childhood cancer survivors should address vaccine hesitancy and potential health risks.

Psychosocial functioning of caregivers of pediatric brain tumor survivors.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of caregiver needs is a recommended standard of care in pediatric oncology. Caregivers of pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS) are a subgroup that may be at highest psychosocial risk. This study examined psychosocial functioning of caregivers of PBTS in comparison to caregivers of youth without cancer history. We hypothesized that caregivers of PBTS would exhibit more psychological symptoms, higher caregiver burden, and lower perceptions of social support than caregivers of comparison youth. PROCEDURE: As part of a five-site study, we utilized a matched sample design to evaluate psychosocial functioning of 301 caregivers of 189 PBTS (ages 8-15) who were 1-5 years post treatment, and 286 caregivers of 187 comparison youth matched for sex, race, and age. Caregivers completed measures of psychological symptoms, caregiver burden, and perceptions of social support. Repeated measures mixed models compared outcomes between groups and examined differences based on caregiver sex. Socioeconomic status (SES) was examined as a moderator of significant main effects. RESULTS: Caregivers of PBTS reported similar levels of psychological symptoms to caregivers of comparison youth. Mothers of PBTS mothers reported higher caregiver burden and lower perceptions of social support than mothers of comparison youth. Low SES exacerbated group differences in caregiver burden. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers of PBTS may have more caregiving responsibilities and perceive less social support, but reported similar levels of psychological symptoms to comparison mothers; fathers of PBTS were similar to comparison fathers. The mechanisms involved in this complex psychosocial dynamic require further investigation.

CNS-Directed Cancer Treatment and Child Adjustment: Moderating Effects of Maternal Parenting.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether maternal parenting behaviors (i.e., warmth, behavioral/psychological control) moderate the association between central nervous system (CNS)-directed treatment and adjustment among pediatric cancer survivors at 3 years post-diagnosis or relapse. METHODS: Three years after their child's cancer diagnosis or relapse, mothers (N = 84) reported on their child's academic and social competence, as well as their internalizing and externalizing problems. Children (N = 84; Mage = 13.21 years, 52.4% male) reported on maternal parenting behaviors. Using medical chart data, children were separated into CNS (i.e., received cranial radiation, intrathecal chemotherapy, and/or neurosurgery; N = 45) or non-CNS-directed treatment (N = 39) groups. Twelve moderation models were tested when examining two-way interactions between CNS treatment group and maternal parenting behaviors. RESULTS: Children in the CNS-directed treatment group demonstrated significantly worse academic and social competence. Moderation analyses revealed four significant two-way interactions between CNS treatment group and maternal parenting behaviors when predicting children's adjustment. High levels of maternal behavioral control buffered the negative impact of CNS-directed treatment on children's social competence. In addition, maternal warmth had a contrasting effect, as CNS-directed treatment was associated with worse academic competence at high levels of warmth. Analyses with psychological control revealed that low levels of this parenting style were not protective against internalizing or externalizing problems among those with CNS-directed treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Children who receive CNS-directed treatment may benefit from a different pattern of parenting during early cancer survivorship. Findings highlight the importance of considering the broader family context when conceptualizing the impact of illness-related factors on adjustment among pediatric cancer survivors.