Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40024877›Full record

ArticlePsycho-oncology2025

Beyond Treatment: Prevalence, Predictors, and Changes in Anxiety and Depression Among Parents of Childhood Cancer Survivors.

Hannah Kurz, Verena Paul, Mona L Nasse, Konstantin A Krauth, Daniela Kandels, Stefan Rutkowski, Gabriele Escherich, Laura Inhestern, Corinna Bergelt

Abstract read
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Article in Psycho-oncology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Hannah KurzDepartment of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Verena PaulDepartment of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Mona L NasseDepartment of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Konstantin A KrauthDepartment of Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Klinik Bad Oexen, Bad Oexen, Germany.
Daniela KandelsMedical Faculty, Swabian Children's Cancer Center, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
Stefan RutkowskiDepartment of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Gabriele EscherichDepartment of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Laura InhesternDepartment of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.ORCID 0000-0003-2513-7954
Corinna BergeltDepartment of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.

Funding

North Rhine-Westphalia Association for Cancer Control, Germany
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundChildhood cancer remains a significant psychological burden for parents. Even after end of treatment, parents of childhood cancer survivors remain at high risk of developing anxiety and depression. However, knowledge about the prevalence and changes of these conditions post-treatment is limited.

aimsThis study aimed to assess the proportion of parents exhibiting clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, explore gender differences, examine factors associated with these conditions and their longitudinal data.

methodsFive hundred and sixteen parents of childhood cancer survivors (aged 0-17 years at diagnosis of leukemia or central nervous system tumors) were evaluated after treatment and again 12-18 months later. Anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9) symptoms were assessed. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze factors influencing these conditions and their changes.

resultsAt baseline, 30% of parents reported clinically relevant depression, and 34% reported anxiety, both decreasing to 16% at follow-up. Mothers reported higher anxiety and depression scores, with more meeting clinically relevant thresholds. Low family functioning, psychotherapy, physical illness, and a recent diagnosis were significant predictors of both conditions. Additional predictors for depression included unemployment, single-parent status, and fear of progression, while female gender was a predictor for anxiety in the final model. Greater symptom improvements were associated with higher baseline symptoms, whereas longer time since diagnosis was linked to less improvement.

conclusionAnxiety and depression represent significant burdens for parents of childhood cancer survivors, with several modifiable risk factors identified. Targeted psychosocial support, early screening, and tailored interventions may reduce distress and improve family well-being.

Indexed as

AnxietyCancer SurvivorsCentral Nervous System NeoplasmsDepressionNeoplasmsParentsAdolescentAdultChildChild, PreschoolFemaleHumansInfantInfant, NewbornLongitudinal StudiesMaleanxietycancercancer survivorscentral nervous system neoplasmsdepressionleukemiaoncologyparentspsycho‐oncologyrisk factors

Identifiers

PMID40024877
PMCPMC11872680

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