Exploration of COVID-19-related experiences through perspectives of children with advanced cancer and their caregivers.

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced by families with children receiving treatment for cancer were magnified. Children with cancer are particularly vulnerable to both the psychological and physiological impacts of the virus, compared to other chronic health conditions.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the perspectives of children with advanced cancer and their caregivers about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional qualitative study. Children undergoing treatment for advanced cancer (n=14) and their caregivers (n=15) were recruited from one academic medical centre in the south-eastern United States.

MEASUREMENTS: Semi-structured interviews assessed the experiences of children and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic throughout cancer treatment. A thematic content qualitative analysis identified themes.

RESULTS

Qualitative interviews highlighted three emergent themes regarding the shared experiences of children with cancer and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) isolation, (2) psychological impact and (3) positive changes. Parents and children uniquely identified unshared themes of (4) virtual school and (5) sources of comfort, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Children with cancer and their families experienced distressing medical challenges and negative psychological consequences throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, perceived 'silver linings' such as togetherness and self-care might serve as protective factors.