Effects on Pediatric Cancer Survivors: The FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS) Randomized Controlled Trial

Pernille Envold Bidstrup*, Hanin Salem, Elisabeth Wreford Andersen, Kjeld Schmiegelow, Steen Rosthøj, Peder Skov Wehner, Henrik Hasle, Susanne O Dalton, Christoffer Johansen, Anne E Kazak

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftArtikelForskningpeer review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine as secondary analyses the effect the FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS) family therapy program on reducing parent-reported medical traumatic stress in the sub-sample of pediatric cancer survivors, age 2-5 years.

METHODS: The FAMOS study was a national multicenter randomized controlled trial with all four pediatric oncology departments in Denmark (Clinicaltrials.gov [NCT02200731]). Families were randomized in parallel design (1:1) to intervention or usual care. The FAMOS program includes seven home-based psychotherapeutic sessions and is based on family systems therapy to address the individuals in the family system using cognitive behavioral, problem-solving and goal-setting techniques. Questionnaires were completed by parents at baseline, 6, and 12 months. In linear mixed-effects models, the effect of FAMOS on reducing children's trauma-related behavior after 6 and 12 months was examined in 62 children (31 in the intervention and 29 in the control group, respectively). It was also examined if a trauma-related behavior effect was mediated through reduced symptoms of depression in mothers and fathers, respectively.

RESULTS: On average, children in the intervention group experienced significantly larger decreases in trauma-related behaviors at 6 and 12 months than the control group (predicted mean difference -3.89, p = .02 and -6.24, p = .003, respectively). The effect on trauma-related behavior was partly mediated through reduced symptoms of depression in mothers, but not fathers.

CONCLUSIONS: Adding to previously reported positive effects of the FAMOS intervention on parents' symptoms of post-traumatic stress and depression, significant improvements were found in young children's trauma related-behavior. Further research is needed to develop therapy for children with cancer.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
Sider (fra-til)29-38
Antal sider10
TidsskriftJournal of Pediatric Psychology
Vol/bind48
Udgave nummer1
Tidlig onlinedato15 jul. 2022
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 12 jan. 2023

Bibliografisk note

© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected].

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