@article{InhesternBultmannBeierleinetal.2016, author = {Inhestern, Laura and Bultmann, Johanna Christine and Beierlein, Volker and M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Romer, Georg and Koch, Uwe and Bergelt, Corinna}, title = {Understanding parenting concerns in cancer survivors with minor and young-adult children}, series = {Journal of psychosomatic research}, volume = {87}, journal = {Journal of psychosomatic research}, doi = {10.1016/j.jpsychores.2016.05.008}, pages = {1 -- 6}, year = {2016}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE Parents with cancer are concerned about the impact of their disease on their children. However, parenting concerns and associated factors in cancer survivors have not previously been analyzed. The purpose of this study is to examine parenting concerns and to test a path model for understanding parenting concerns in cancer survivors. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, a total of 1416 parents with cancer (mean age 47.5years, 74\% women) having minor or young-adult children were recruited through two cancer registries. Parenting concerns were assessed using the Parenting Concerns Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the associations between social support, parenting confidence, emotional distress, family functioning and parenting concerns. RESULTS Mothers reported higher total parenting concerns than fathers (p<0.001). We observed strong effects of emotional distress and parenting confidence on parenting concerns. Family dysfunctioning was associated with lower concerns. An indirect association between social support and parenting concerns was identified. CONCLUSION Parenting concerns in cancer survivors display the need for interventions and after care programs that focus on affected families with minor and young adult children. The results of the structural path model illustrate the associations between psychological and interactional factors. Supporting parents with cancer in their parenting confidence and strengthen social support and family functioning may not only reduce the long-term burden on the parents themselves but also the burden on the entire family.}, subject = {Adolescent}, language = {en} } @article{InhesternBultmannBeierleinetal.2016, author = {Inhestern, Laura and Bultmann, Johanna C. and Beierlein, Volker and M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Romer, Georg and Muriel, Anna C. and Moore, Cynthia W. and Koch, Uwe and Bergelt, Corinna}, title = {Psychometric properties of the Parenting Concerns Questionnaire in cancer survivors with minor and young adult children}, series = {Psycho-oncology}, volume = {25}, journal = {Psycho-oncology}, doi = {10.1002/pon.4049}, pages = {1092 -- 1098}, year = {2016}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE Although cancer patients with minor children have become more of a focus of psycho-oncological research, little is known about specific parenting concerns. Instruments to assess the concerns and worries of parents with cancer are rare. The Parenting Concerns Questionnaire (PCQ) addresses this issue. We analyzed parenting concerns in cancer survivors and evaluated the German version of the PCQ. METHODS A total of 1416 cancer survivors with minor and young adult children (≤21 years) were recruited in a register-based study. Descriptive analyses as well as reliability and validity analyses were conducted. We performed a confirmatory factorial analysis of the factor structure proposed by the authors of the original version on the PCQ. RESULTS Seventy-three percent of the cancer survivors were women, average age was 47.5 years (SD 5.9). Mean time since diagnosis was 44 months (SD 23.4). Between 18 and 31\% of survivors reported that they were concerned about their children. The PCQ proved to be a reliable and valid instrument showing medium correlations with standardized measures in expected directions and discriminating between survivors with and without use of psychosocial support services. The factor structure was supported by the confirmatory factorial analysis. CONCLUSIONS Assessing parenting concerns gives an additional insight into the situation of parents with cancer. In our sample of cancer survivors, we identified one out of three survivors being concerned regarding the impact of their illness on their children. The PCQ can be considered as a valid and reliable instrument with regard to identifying concerned parents with cancer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.}, subject = {Adult}, language = {en} } @article{InhesternBeierleinBultmannetal.2017, author = {Inhestern, Laura and Beierlein, Volker and Bultmann, Johanna Christine and M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Romer, Georg and Koch, Uwe and Bergelt, Corinna}, title = {Anxiety and depression in working-age cancer survivors: a register-based study}, series = {BMC cancer}, volume = {17}, journal = {BMC cancer}, doi = {10.1186/s12885-017-3347-9}, pages = {347}, year = {2017}, abstract = {BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression can be a long-term strain in cancer survivors. Little is known about the emotional situation of cancer survivors who have to deal with work- and family-related issues. The purpose of this study was to investigate anxiety and depression in working-age cancer survivors and associated factors. METHODS A register-based sample of 3370 cancer survivors (25 to 55 years at time of diagnosis) diagnosed up to six years prior to the survey was recruited from two German cancer registries. Demographic and medical characteristics as well as self-reported measures were used. RESULTS Overall, approximately 40\% of the survivors reported moderate to high anxiety scores and approximately 20\% reported moderate to high depression scores. Compared to the general population, working-age cancer survivors were more anxious but less depressed (p < .001). Subgroups with regard to time since diagnosis did not differ in anxiety or depression. Anxiety and depression in cancer survivors were associated with various variables. Better social support, family functioning and physical health were associated with lower anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we found higher anxiety levels in cancer survivors of working-age than in the general population. A considerable portion of cancer survivors reported moderate to high levels of anxiety and depression. The results indicate the need for psychosocial screening and psycho-oncological support e.g. in survivorship programs for working-age cancer survivors. Assessing the physical health, social support and family background might help to identify survivors at risk for higher emotional distress.}, subject = {Adaptation}, language = {en} }