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Abstract
Objectives To identify the association of multiple symptoms and clinical characteristics on quality of life (QoL) of paediatric patients with cancer.
Design A descriptive, cross-sectional study.
Setting South American Children’s Hospital for Cancer Treatment (Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil).
Participants A total of 157 participants, 116 paediatric patients, diagnosed with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy treatment, between 7 and 18 years of age and 41 proxies for patients between 2 and 6 years of age.
Primary outcome measures The severity and prevalence ofsymptoms were identified through the use of a culturally adapted multi-symptomscreening tool, and the influence these symptoms, in association with clinicalcharacteristics, had on the QOL of Brazilian pediatric cancer patients wasassessed.
Results Prevalent symptoms identified by all participants were ‘feeling tired’ (98, 62.4%), ‘feeling more or less hungry (do not feel like eating) than you usually do’ (96, 61.1%), ‘changes in taste (flavour of the food)’ (89, 56.7%), ‘throwing up or feeling like you may throw up’ (77, 49%) and ‘changes in how your body (visually) or face looks’ (72, 45.9%). The multivariate analysis for symptom severity as reported by proxies showed that surgery (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.98, p=0.047) and time of diagnosis (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.66, p=0.012) were associated with a decreased OR of high severity symptoms.
An analysis of the clinical characteristics associated with Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) demonstrated no significant effect on QoL in any of the domains evaluated. The association between Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool and PedsQL in the self-report version demonstrated a significant negative influence of all symptoms on the QoL.
Conclusions The prevalence of symptoms experienced among pediatric patients during treatment was high and significantly influenced all aspects of quality of life,especially in the emotional domain.
- paediatric oncology
- quality in healthcare
- chemotherapy
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Strengths and limitations of this study
This study was conducted using a recently validated and reliable symptom screening scale Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool, developed for the Brazilian Portuguese speaking paediatric population.
A longitudinal study and complete assessment of the changes of symptoms on QoL was not performed.
The study was conducted in a single reference centre of paediatric oncology in Brazil that provides care to patients of regions of the country.
The analysis of each patient was completed regardless of the stage of treatment.
Introduction
In recent years, there has been an increase in the cancer cure rate resulting in a higher survival rate. However, some children experience severe physical symptoms related to the disease and treatment.1 Indeed, symptoms are among the most prevalent problems in paediatric patients with cancer and contribute to a significant worsening of quality of life (QoL).2 3
In a study on the assessment of symptom prevalence. Collins et al4 reported that the most prevalent symptoms among paediatric patients with cancer between 7 and 18 years of age to be vomiting, coughing, lack of appetite, pain, nausea, a lack of energy, irritability and anxiety. Another study found that physical symptoms as perceived by parents, are the most distressing and produce a high level of suffering among their children.5
The presence of multiple distressing symptoms has a direct effect on QoL.6 7 QoL can be defined as a subjective assessment of an individual’s concept of their own health as well as the influence symptoms have on his/her life and are related to different physical, functional, psychological and social aspects. Therefore, an assessment of QoL becomes increasingly important in the clinical practice of paediatric cancer treatment.8–10
Assessing the aspects that compromise the life of a patient as a result of disease and treatment, such as prevalent symptoms in addition to clinical characteristics presented during treatment, may enable targeted interventions and contribute to improving the outcome of therapeutic interventions.11 Thereby positively impacting QoL. Thus, routinely assessing QoL and multiple symptoms reported by patients themselves in clinical practice should be included in care protocols.9
The patient self-report is still the most reliable for symptom assessment, as it provides information that is unique and precise to the patient’s actual condition. In a systematic review of existing symptoms scales available in English for the assessment of symptoms in children and adolescents undergoing cancer treatment, found that the use of self-reporting symptoms scales proved to be extremely useful and promising for the identification of symptoms and symptom severity in clinical studies.12 Nonetheless, in cases where it is impossible for a patient to self-report due to age or health condition, evaluation by proxies (parents or guardians) becomes an essential alternative.13
Currently, there are different instruments for assessing individual symptoms available in Brazil for the use in paediatric patients.14 15 However, a screening tool for multiple symptoms had not been available for the Brazilian Portuguese speaking population. The Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool (SSPedi-BR), has been recently developed and validated for the screening of multiple symptoms, for the benefit of the Brazilian paediatric population with cancer. It has the ability to evaluate fifteen symptoms easily and quickly, taking an average of only 3 min to complete.16–18
There are measurement instruments that are valid and reliable that can be used to assist patients and proxies in the evaluation of QoL constructs and symptoms. To assess the QoL of paediatric patients, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL),19 which has been validated for the Brazilian population, is divided by age group and widely used in clinical practice.20
The use of these instruments, SSPedi-BR and PedsQL may facilitate or impact the routine evaluation during clinical practice, resulting in the identification of symptoms and clinical characteristics that have a negative effect on the QoL of paediatric patients with cancer in Brazil. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate an association of prevalent symptoms and clinical characteristics on the QoL of paediatric patients with cancer treated at a reference hospital in Brazil.
Methods
Study design
This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study resulting from a subanalysis of a study validating the scale screening of symptoms among paediatric patients with cancer (SSPedi), denominated in Brazil as SSPedi-BR.18
Participants and eligibility criteria
The study included patients between 7 and 18 years of age and proxies (parents or caregivers) of patients between 2 and 6 years of age, of both sexes, who were diagnosed with cancer and were currently undergoing chemotherapy, in outpatient clinics or hospitalised. Criteria for exclusion, any patients and/or proxies with significant neuropsychiatric disorders and/or those with visual impairment that prevented them from viewing the assessment instruments. Patients were recruited as inpatients or outpatients. The researchers, respecting individuality, conducted the interviews. Participants were invited to complete the SSPedi-BR and PedsQL questionnaires.
Study site
The study was conducted in the children and youth cancer unit at the Barretos Cancer Hospital (Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil), a reference hospital in Latin America for cancer treatment.
Patient and public involvement statement
Patients and/or the public were not involved in the design or planning of the study.
Instruments for data collection
Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool
SSPedi-BR is a recently translated and culturally adapted version of SSPedi, a self-report scale developed for symptom screening in paediatric patients with cancer between 8 and 18 years of age and can be applied as a proxy-reported version (parents or guardians).
Fifteen symptoms are rated using a 5-point Likert response scale (0–4) ranging from not at all bothered to extremely bothered. Patients respond to how much each symptom bothered them yesterday or today. Its original version is available in both paper and electronic versions.16–18
Assessment of psychometric properties into Brazilian Portuguese was performed using the paper version. The construct validity was tested according to the convergent validity and contrasted groups. The correlation values of the coefficients were considered good (r≥0.4). The reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha test, internal consistency values of α=0.77 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.82) for the self-reported version, α=0.81 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.88) for the proxy-reported version. Thus, demonstrating the reliability and validity of this scale in daily clinical practice for the screening of multiple symptoms, it was renamed SSPedi-BR.18
Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0
PedsQL is a generic questionnaire that assesses QoL across paediatric chronic conditions. This scale consists of 23 items covering four domains: physical (8 items), emotional (5 items), social (5 items) and school functioning (5 items). The response scale has five levels ranging from 0 (never a problem) to 4 (almost always a problem). The scales are multidimensional, consisting of parallel self-report forms for the child or adolescent and a form for the parents. The response scale has five levels ranging from 0 (never a problem) to 4 (almost always a problem). The responses are inverted and transformed into 100, 75, 50, 25 and 0, respectively, resulting in a scale range of 0–100 in which a higher score indicates a better QoL.19
The psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the PedsQL generic questionnaire proved to be valid and reliable.20
Patient identification questionnaires
Data were obtained from the patients’ medical records. Sociodemographic information (sex, age, collection site, date of birth) and clinical information (date of diagnosis, primary tumour, distant metastasis and type of treatment) were also collected.
Statistical analysis
The sample size selected was estimated based on validation studies of other health instruments, which take into consideration between 3 and 20 times the number per research item.21
Sample characterisation was performed based on frequency tables. The association of characteristics (predominance and severity of symptoms) was analysed using the χ2 or Fisher’s exact test, the multivariate logistic regression analysis and used the estimated coefficients to estimate the OR; variables with p<0.20 in the univariate analysis were selected. The relationship between characteristics and SSPedi-BR symptoms and the PedsQL score was analysed using the Multivariate Analysis Of Variance (MANOVA) model (Pillai’s trace) following the post-hoc test (Bonferroni). However, the scores under the domain ‘school’ were not considered for the proxy-reported version because this domain did not apply to the majority of our patients. To calculate the effect size (Cohen test (d)) of the differences between means of the two independent groups we used the G*Power V.3.1.9.2 software.
The characteristics evaluated that are associated with the severity of symptoms were sex, primary tumour, time since diagnosis, distant metastasis, treatment preformed and amputation. Symptom severity was classified as low (‘not bothered’ to ‘slightly bothered’) and high (‘very bothered to extremely bothered’). To calculate the SSPedi-BR score, the scores were summed to a total score ranging from 0 to 60 points. For analysis of the most prevalent symptoms, patients were classified into age groups (8–10, 11–14 and 15–18 years).
The significance level adopted was 5%, and the analyses were performed using IBM SPSS V.21.0 software.
Results
Between June 2017 and April 2018, 164 individuals were invited to participate in the study, with 7 participants refusing to participate because they were not feeling well at the time of the interview. The remaining 157 individuals were eligible, with 116 participants completing the self-reported version (patients between 7 and 18 years of age) and 41 the proxy-reported version (parents or guardians of patients between 2 and 6 years of age).
The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the participants are described in table 1.
Demographic and clinical characteristics (n=157)
Prevalence of symptoms
The most prevalent symptoms of the 157 participants were ‘feeling tired’(98, 62.4%), ‘feeling more or less hungry (do not feel like eating) than you usually do’ (96, 61.1%), ‘changes in taste (flavour of the food)’ (89, 56.7%), ‘throwing up or feeling like you may throw up’ (77, 49%) and ‘changes in how your body (visually) or face looks’ (72, 45.9%) (figure 1).
Prevalence (%) of symptoms reported by patients by Symptoms Screening in Pediatrics, (n=157). Axis x: prevalence (%); axis y: symptoms.
For the self-reported version of all age groups (8–10, 11–14 and 15–18 years), the most prevalent symptoms were ‘changes in how your body (visually) or face looks’ (31, 64.6%, p=0.001), ‘feeling tired’ (36, 75% p=0.005) and ‘mouth sores’ (13, 27.1%, p=0.007) however, for the 15–18 years of age group there was a significant impact based on the increase in the frequency of symptoms reported.
Severity of symptoms
The data in table 2 illustrate the relationship between clinical characteristics and symptom severity, in association with the time of diagnosis and completion of surgical procedure.
Univariate and multivariate analyses of clinical characteristics associated with symptom severity
Clinical characteristics and PedsQL
An analysis of the clinical characteristics associated with the PedsQL demonstrated no significant difference in any of the domains evaluated (table 3).
Clinical characteristics and comparison between Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) proxy-reported and self-reported versions
Relationship between the symptoms of the SSPedi-BR scale and PedsQL
In the self-reported version the following symptoms: ‘feeling disappointed or sad’, ‘feeling scared or worried’ (reflective) and ‘feeling cranky or angry’ (do not feel like smiling), presented a negative effect on QoL in the emotional domain. The symptoms of ‘mouth sores’ and ‘constipation’ (hard to poop) presented a negative effect in the school domain. The symptoms of ‘hurt or pain’ (other than a headache) and ‘throwing up’ or ‘feeling like you may throw up’, had an effect on the emotional and physical domain. A compelling finding was the identification of the symptom ‘feeling tired’ which had an impact on QoL of all four of the domains (emotional, school, physical, social) (table 4).
Symptoms of SSPedi-BR and comparison among the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scores (n=116)
The only symptom in the proxy-reported version that had an influence on QoL was that of ‘feeling scared or worried’ resulting in a negative effect on the emotional domain (table 5).
Symptoms of SSPedi-BR and comparison among the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory scores (n=41)
Discussion
The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of the multiple symptoms reported by paediatric patients with cancer in Brazil and the influence these symptoms have on the QoL of Brazilian paediatric patients. Through the use of the symptoms screen scale SSPedi-BR, it was possible to identify symptom prevalence, and severity experienced by patients while undergoing cancer treatment. In addition, this study identified the negative effect these symptoms had on QoL. This information can be beneficial for early intervention treatment based on the symptoms, resulting in a possible improvement in the QoL.
The results showed that during chemotherapy treatment, symptoms such as tiredness, lack of appetite, changes in taste, vomiting and change in physical appearance were the symptoms most reported by patients. These findings are consistent with a study describing symptoms using the original SSPedi screening tool, which identified the same symptoms as those that most bothered patients during treatment.22
There are several studies in the literature that assess symptoms and QoL in paediatric patients.2 5 23 For example, in their study on health-related QoL, Momani et al24 found that nausea, vomiting and fatigue were the most distressing symptoms reported by patients during treatment.
Symptoms differ among cancer types, treatments and age ranges. Adolescents with cancer are more emotionally affected by physical symptoms.25 Additionally, changes in physical appearance are consequences of the adverse effects resulting from chemotherapy, explaining the low score often observed for this domain.26
In this study, the symptoms of changes in physical appearance, tiredness and mouth sores had a significant influence on patients 15–18 years of age (adolescent). These symptoms were among the most distressing factors and correlated with a worsening QoL. This result is in agreement with previous reports, in which the low QoL score of patients with cancer, especially tiredness, was most evident among adolescents when compared with other age groups.27
Among the presented symptoms, the most significant symptom is tiredness, affecting 50%–90% of the patients. In some cases, patients have reported this symptom 10 years after the completion of treatment, thereby negatively influencing QoL.3
During treatment, patients may not report symptoms because they believe it is an inevitable adverse effect of treatment. Moreover, parents and professionals often do not report the problem, and consequently, the symptoms are not treated.28
Thus, understanding the characteristics, frequency, severity and how these symptoms affect the QoL of these patients may help in the development of strategies for the assessment, response and management during chemotherapy.25 29 Indeed, evaluation of QoL and specific measurement of symptoms have become essential in health services because they provide unique information that can assist in directing clinical interventions.30 Ultimately, improvements in the QoL of Brazilian paediatric patients can be achieved through the identification of association of symptoms displayed during treatment, that are often disregarded as a normal part of suffering during treatment.
In the proxy-reported version, an analysis of the clinical characteristics and their association with symptom severity, the time since diagnosis <6 months was found to be related to higher severity of symptoms. This demonstrates that based on the perception of parents, patients present more symptoms at diagnosis, which leads to a worsening of QoL.
Although parent assessment is important when the child is not able to perform the assessment on their own, parents often project emotions based on their own experience and tend to overestimate symptoms.24 31 This is evident as demonstrated in the results of this study in which the symptom of ‘feeling scared or worried’ was the only symptom to have a negative impact on the QoL for the emotional domain. No other symptom had a significant effect on QoL for any of the other domains as assessed by the parents.
The findings of the present study showed that clinical characteristics did not have a significant impact on any QoL. Furthermore, this study highlights the negative effects that symptoms have on QoL in all domains, with the greatest impact being in the emotional domain for both reported version. Few studies have identified factors that affect QoL in paediatric patients during chemotherapy, and most have been performed with paediatric cancer survivors,32 stressing the need to gain an early understanding of these symptoms during treatment.
These results indicate the importance for multiple symptom screening, that is quick and accurate, based on a patient’s self-assessment, which will allow for the inclusion of a symptom-focused treatment plan for prevalent symptoms. The inclusion of proxies will enable clinicians in understanding the concerns of the primary caregivers; thereby, allowing clinicians to provide further clarification and information regarding symptoms.
A strength of the study that should be highlighted is the use of a recently validated and reliable symptom screening scale SSPedi-BR developed for the Brazilian Portuguese speaking paediatric population. This screening tool allowed for the identification of previously undocumented symptoms that have a negative influence on a patient’s QoL within this population. However, future studies will benefit from longitudinal studies and a complete assessment of the changes of symptoms on QoL. In addition, the application of this screening tool in another treatment centre in Brazil may be necessary.
Conclusion
The present study shows that the prevalence of symptoms experienced among pediatric patients during treatment was high and significantly influenced all aspects of quality of life, especially in the emotional domain.
In addition, an assessment of clinical characteristics did not demonstrate any significant effect on QoL. These results demonstrate the importance of the use of instruments such as the SSPedi-BR in the management and control of symptoms during clinical practice.
Future studies of a longitudinal evaluation and assessment of the impact of symptoms on the QoL of patients at different stages of cancer treatment are needed.
Acknowledgments
The researchers for this project would like to thank the Barretos Cancer Hospital internal research funds (PAIP) and the Epidemiology and Biostatistics Center of Barretos Cancer Hospital for assistance with the statistical analyses.
References
Footnotes
Contributors Design of study: SAC and BSRP. Drafting and reviewing questionnaires: SAC, BSRP and JOF. Acquiring data: SAC and JOF. Analysing data: MAdO, SAC, BSRP and CEP. Writing the manuscript: SAC, BSRP, JOF, MAdO and CEP.
Funding FAPESP - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo - process 2017/01405–5.This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal deNível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 88882.366201/2019–01
Disclaimer The content is solely the responsibility of the authors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient and public involvement Patients and/or the public were not involved in the design, or conduct, or reporting, or dissemination plans of this research.
Patient consent for publication Parental/guardian consent obtained.
Ethics approval This study complied with the ethical and scientific principles of Resolution 466/12 of the National Health Council. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Barretos Cancer Hospital under protocol number 1508/2016. All participants or guardians provided informed consent or assent, as appropriate.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
Data availability statement All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information. All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.