The feasibility and acceptability of mobile ecological momentary assessment to evaluate sleep, family functioning, and affect in patients with pediatric craniopharyngioma

Abstract

Purpose/Objectives

We aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of mobile ecological momentary assessment (mEMA) for youth with craniopharyngioma and evaluate daily associations among family functioning, affect, and sleep difficulties.

Design/Research Approach

Youth completed two mEMA diaries per day for one week.

Sample/Participants

Thirty-nine youth who underwent surgery and proton radiotherapy (when indicated) for craniopharyngioma.

Methods/Methodological Approach

Descriptive statistics and multi-level modeling were used to examine feasibility and acceptability of mEMA and daily associations among family functioning, affect, and sleep.

Findings

Youth reported satisfaction and minimal burden from completing daily mEMA diaries. Poorer family functioning was not related to lower sleep efficiency.

Conclusions/Interpretation

mEMA is an acceptable and feasible method for evaluating sleep and related variables in children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma.

Implications for Psychosocial Providers or Policy

Results highlight the utility of gathering mEMA data in youth at elevated risk for sleep difficulties as a function of their illness/treatment.

Keywords:

• affect
• cancer
• family
• pediatrics
• psychology
• sleep

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.