Quality of life of adolescent and young adult survivors of childhood cancer.
The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life of Greek survivors of childhood cancer by addressing the physical, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions of their functioning. The SF-36 Health Survey and the Quality of Life Questionnaire, which was designed for this study, were used. Survivors' scores on most subscales of SF-36 were similar to those of controls, despite some difficulties in their daily activities. They perceived self as more susceptible to health problems, but also more mature and grounded. Generally, they seem to adapt well and focus on the positive aspects of their cancer experience, which enhances the meaning and quality of their life.
Servitzoglou
Marina
M
Hematology/Oncology Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, United Kingdom. marservitzoglou@hotmail.com
Papadatou
Danai
D
Tsiantis
Ioannis
I
Vasilatou-Kosmidis
Helen
H
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D006040:Goals; D006115:Greece; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult