Educational Goals and Attainments of Pediatric Cancer SurvivorsShow full item record
Title | Educational Goals and Attainments of Pediatric Cancer Survivors |
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Author | Breyer, Emma |
Date | 2015 |
Abstract | In the past 35 years, pediatric oncology five-year survivorship has increased from 50 to 80%. As the number of survivors has increased, there has been increased interest in research investigating late effects of cancer treatment, such as cardiac abnormalities, pulmonary impairment and post treatment psychological disorders. The current study investigated educational and career difficulties experienced by adolescent and young adult cancer survivors who are at least one year off cancer therapy. A mixed methods single institution study using questions from the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Study (CCSS) questionnaire, a demographic data form, and a set of open ended questions was conducted from October 2013 through October 2014. Data analysis using SPSS version 19.0 was conducted via dichotomous variables using frequencies, and Chi Square analysis. A total of 50 survivors participated in the project. Quantitative findings suggest that having a Central Nervous System (CNS) tumor and receiving CNS radiation is associated with visual impairment post therapy. 28% of those who reported receiving CNS radiation also reported double vision (X2 = 11.040, p = .004). A diagnosis of a CNS tumor was also associated with tinnitus, as 38% of those with tinnitus were CNS tumor survivors (X2 = 24.959, p=.035). 4 of the 11 respondents reporting CNS radiation also reported balance difficulties (X2 = 14.023, p=.003). Qualitative findings suggested four themes experienced by adolescent young adult cancer survivors: a polarized opinion on their future as medical professionals, a report of dreams fallen short due to therapy, an impact on peer relationships, and a positive outlook on life. Several respondents reported that extended interactions with health care providers either greatly increased or decreased their wishes to enter the medical profession. Survivors also reported that physical or mental disabilities impacted their ability to later achieve their dreams. Respondents also reported difficulties with peer relationships due to extended time away from school and a change in their appearance. Finally, despite the challenges faced, the survivors reported increased positivity overall in their lives. Despite the limited sample size, results of the study display difficulties faced by CNS tumor survivors that warrant further research. The results also show that despite an extended period of missed school, the survivors did not display statistically significant difficulties with later education. Rather, the survivors focused on the difficulties of socialization post therapy.Future studies using larger sample sizes are warranted to further examine the socialization of childhood cancer survivors of CNS cancer. |
Link | https://repository.tcu.edu/handle/116099117/10289 |
Department | Nursing |
Advisor | Bashore, Lisa |
Additional Date(s) | 2015-05-01 |
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- Undergraduate Honors Papers [1463]
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