@article{BultmannBeierleinRomeretal.2014,
  author    = {Bultmann, Johanna Christine and Beierlein, Volker and Romer, Georg and M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Koch, Uwe and Bergelt, Corinna},
  title     = {Parental cancer: Health-related quality of life and current psychosocial support needs of cancer survivors and their children},
  series = {International journal of cancer},
  volume    = {135},
  journal   = {International journal of cancer},
  doi       = {10.1002/ijc.28905},
  pages     = {2668 -- 2677},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {The presence of cancer and additional parental responsibilities can increase strain for individual patients as well as for their children. The construct of health-related quality of life (HRQL) is appropriate to measure a combination of physical, mental and social consequences as a result of disease. However, previous research has merely focused on symptom checklists. This study addresses the following questions: (i) does HRQL in children and their parents with cancer differ compared to the general population? (ii) Are there any variables that are associated with HRQL in children? (iii) What are current psychosocial support needs? A population-based survey of 976 survivors (<6 years post diagnosis) with minor children between 6 and 18 years (n = 1,449) was conducted with two German cancer registries. HRQL was assessed using SF-8 (survivors) and Kidscreen (children). The results were compared to normative populations, and predictors associated with HRQL in children were evaluated within a multilevel model. We found that the HRQL in children was better compared to the norm. Only children with support needs had worse HRQL. Older age, having a mother with cancer, having a parent not living together with a partner, and worse parental physical and mental health influenced HRQL in children. Illness characteristics were irrelevant. Even with a mean of 3.5 years after diagnosis, survivors had lower physical and mental health compared to the norm. Our findings reinforce the need for health professionals to pay attention to younger patients and their children. Even years after diagnosis, life might not have returned to normal.},
  subject      = {Adolescent},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ErnstBeierleinRomeretal.2013,
  author    = {Ernst, Johanna Christine and Beierlein, Volker and Romer, Georg and M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Koch, Uwe and Bergelt, Corinna},
  title     = {Use and need for psychosocial support in cancer patients: a population-based sample of patients with minor children},
  series = {Cancer},
  volume    = {119},
  journal   = {Cancer},
  doi       = {10.1002/cncr.28021},
  pages     = {2333 -- 2341},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {BACKGROUND Cancer patients and their minor children have been shown to experience psychological distress. The objectives of the current study were to 1) describe the need for and use of psychosocial support and 2) determine predictors of family-centered support use in patients with minor children. METHODS A population-based sample of 1809 patients was recruited via 2 cancer registries. The eligibility criteria were age 25 years to 55 years, an initial diagnosis received no longer than 6 years before this survey, and having at least 1 minor child. Medical characteristics and self-report measures were used. RESULTS Overall, approximately 38\% cases were identified as being borderline or probable anxiety cases and 16\% were identified as being borderline or probable depression cases. Since diagnosis, 44\% of the patients had used psychosocial support and 9\% had received family-focused and child-focused support. These patients perceived a lower quality of life and poorer family functioning. Approximately 73\% of patients with children wanted information concerning or psychosocial services to support their children or parenting. Use of family-centered support was not found to be predicted by disease-related factors (eg, cancer staging) but rather by subjective needs (eg, mental health and having a distressed child in the family). CONCLUSIONS The results of the current study emphasize the importance of child and parenting concerns in psychosocial care in oncology. Screenings for children and appropriate training programs for health care may increase awareness of this issue.},
  subject      = {Adult},
  language  = {en}
}