Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Annals of Hematology Oncology, cilt.10, sa.3, ss.1427-1430, 2023 (Scopus)
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine study
participants’ knowledge, attitudes, anxiety, and coping strategies
following a leukemia diagnosis.
Study Design: The 350 participants included 100 pediatric patients, 100 parents, and 150 healthcare providers. The survey was
filled out by all participants. Patients’ and Parents’ perceptions of
their children’s anxiety levels were also evaluated using the Revised
Child Anxiety and Depression Scale.
Results: In total, 84 pediatric patients were aware of their leukemia diagnosis, but the remaining 16 were not at the time of the survey. Thirteen (82%) of the 16 patients were under the age of seven
at the time of diagnosis. Parents and health care providers strongly
agreed that leukemia diagnosis should be disclosed directly to children. Compared with healthcare providers, parents were significantly more likely to opt for disclosure after starting chemotherapy
by the parents in the doctor’s office (p<0.05). Parent’s perceptions
of their children’s anxiety levels were significantly higher than patients’ (p<0.05). Healthcare providers responded to the survey that
32% of the pediatrician, 16% of nurses, and 86% of interns received
training on delivering bad news.
Conclusions: Our research shows that there is no agreement
among healthcare providers and patients’ parents about who,
when, and where to inform children of a leukemia diagnosis. The
findings also highlight the importance of reinforming children diagnosed at less than 7 years when they are older. Additionally, delivering bad news training to healthcare providers and providing
psychological support to parents and adolescents have a positive
impact