Body weight, social competence, and cognitive functioning in survivors of childhood brain tumors.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the following article was to examine: (a) body mass index (BMI) in survivors of childhood brain tumors; (b) the association of BMI with social competence and cognitive functioning; and (c) congruency in reporting of survivors' social competence by the survivors, parents, and teachers.


METHODS
Fifty-four survivors of childhood brain tumors (32 males) 8-18 years participated. BMI-for-age percentiles and BMI Z-scores (SDS) were calculated and survivors were categorized as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese, using established criteria. Informants completed measures of social competence and internalizing behaviors. Survivors also completed a test of self-perception and cognitive functioning (IQ).


RESULTS
Survivors were more underweight (15% vs. 4%), and less overweight (17% vs. 31%) than population norms (chi(2) = 38.62, P < 0.001). Parents perceived lower social competence in survivors that were underweight, had lower verbal IQ, and higher internalizing behaviors (P < 0.05). A significant interaction between BMI-for-age and IQ on self-perception of close friendships suggested that survivors with lower weight and lower IQ perceived having fewer close friendships (P < 0.05). Congruency among the three informants was moderate.


CONCLUSIONS
Survivors of childhood brain tumors are at increased risk for underweight. Underweight status is related to lower parent reported social competence and survivors' self-perception of fewer close friendships in the presence of low IQ.
Schulte
Fiona
F
Hematology/Oncology/Transplant Program Department of Oncology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. fiona.schulte@albertahealthservices.ca
Bartels
Ute
U
Bouffet
Eric
E
Janzen
Laura
L
Hamilton
Jill
J
Barrera
Maru
M
D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007360:Intelligence; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D017741:Survivors