Honors College Theses

Publication Date

4-17-2018

Major

Nursing (BSN)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Crystal Edds-McAfee

Abstract

PURPOSE: With the increased survival rates in pediatric cancer, these patients are exhibiting new possible long-term side effects, such as delays in cognitive and social-emotional development. The purpose of this research study is to assess the cognitive and social-emotional developmental outcomes of pediatric cancer survivors who currently receive chemotherapy or have received chemotherapy in the past.

DESIGN/METHODS: This pilot study used a quantitative survey to assess cognitive and social-emotional developmental outcomes of pediatric cancer survivors. The inclusion criteria for this study included parents of school aged children (ages 5-18) who received chemotherapy for at least six months, either currently or in the past. The data collected from the surveys was coded and analyzed through the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for significance.

RESULTS: Five participants were recruited either from a hematology and oncology clinic or a cancer survivorship group to fill out the survey. The results of this study were that there is most likely a difference in the developmental effects for patients who are currently receiving chemotherapy compared to those in remission who have previously received chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that that pediatric cancer survivors experience cognitive and social-emotional developmental effects, which may vary based on if the child is still receiving treatment or is in remission. As the number of pediatric cancer survivors increases, it is essential for healthcare professionals to understand and be aware of possible cognitive and social-emotional developmental changes related to chemotherapy.

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