(05) Parental Worry and its Association with Parental Attitudes regarding Physical Activity during Intensive treatment for Children with Acute Leukemia

Title: Parental Worry and its Association with Parental Attitudes regarding Physical Activity during Intensive treatment for Children with Acute Leukemia

Abstract : While significant advancements and improvements in treatment and survival rates for childhood acute leukemia have been made, the risk for a wide spectrum of disease and treatment-related side effects persists. Studies comparing pediatric leukemia patients to healthy controls demonstrate significantly lower levels of physical activity (PA) and an increase in sedentary behaviors. Evidence exists to support the safety, and benefits of PA in pediatric cancer patients; however, this data is primarily focused on childhood survivors. In addition, limited information is understood about factors that influence PA in children during therapy. Prior research has investigated parental beliefs about PA in childhood cancer, but none have specifically evaluated parental worry. To date, limited data exists about the potential association between worry and parental perception of PA.

The purpose of the study was to determine the level of parental worry and its association with parental attitudes regarding physical activity among parents with children undergoing intensive treatment for acute leukemia.

The study utilized the Parent Experience of Child Illness scale a validated tool (PECI) used to measure worry in parents of children with cancer. A total of 30 participants were enrolled. Study data was analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.

Study results demonstrated, 70% of participants enrolled had children in the intensive phase of leukemia treatment. 93% reported worry about their child’s future. 80% reported worry related to play and 90% reported worry their child would suffer harm when physically separated from the parent. Of note, despite high levels of worry participants also reported being at peace with life circumstances. While a trend between peace and emotional resources was reflected in the data, statistical analysis did not reveal a correlation among variables, which was attributed to a limited sample size.