An intervention module for caregivers of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

Abstract

Introduction

Childhood cancer caregivers report psychological distress and unmet psychosocial needs, affecting outcomes for their children. An experimental study was carried out to measure the effectiveness of an intervention in addressing traumatic stress, depression and anxiety.

Methods

Caregivers (n = 59) of children with ALL were allocated to both groups (intervention, n = 29; TAU control, n = 30) via the SNOSE method. The intervention is a physical copy of a 2-week psychosocial self-help guidebook. Scores on the PCL-5, BDI and BAI were recorded at baseline, post-intervention and 1-month follow-up.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in traumatic stress symptoms post intervention (F(1, 57) = 5.760, p = .020, n_p² = 0.093) in favor of the intervention group. No statistical significance was found for its effect at one-month follow-up, overall depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

A psychosocial module developed for caregivers of children with ALL was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of traumatic stress and potentially depression. However, the maintenance of its effectiveness and the effectiveness on anxiety requires further study.

Keywords:

• cancer
• caregiver
• intervention
• psychological distress

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the research assistants with the follow-up assessments.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

Data are not available due to ethical restrictions. Due to the nature of the study, participants’ data cannot be shared publicly.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.