How Has the Occupational Performance and Participation Levels of Children with Cancer Changed during the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Abstract

Aim: To examine how the occupational performance (OP) and participation levels of children with cancer changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Sixty-seven children with cancer (aged 6–12 years) completed the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure by giving information about their OP and participation, and their parents completed the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation via online interview techniques. Evaluations were repeated twice in April and September 2020 to determine the change in OP and participation levels of children with cancer due to the COVID-19.

Results: OP of children with cancer decreased significantly (Z=-7.02, p < 0.001) during the pandemic period. The home participation of these children did not change significantly (Z=-0.98, p = 0.32) before and during the pandemic; and was limited in both periods. Community participation decreased significantly (Z=-4.84, p < 0.001) from limited level to very limited level.

Conclusions: Findings emphasize the need to increase the levels of OP and participation levels of children with various types of cancer due to the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• pandemic
• children with cancer
• daily living activities
• occupational performance
• participation

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the families and children who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Güleser Güney

Ms. Güleser Güney, OT, MSc, is a Lecturer at the Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Kütahya Health Science University, Kütahya, Turkey.

Gözde Önal

Ms. Gözde Önal, OT, MSc, is a Lecturer at the Department of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Nevşehir, Turkey.

Meral Huri

Meral Huri, PT, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Department of Occupational Therapy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.