No increase in psychosocial stress of Dutch children with cancer and
their caregivers during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract
We studied the psychosocial impact of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic
on Dutch children with cancer in outpatient care and their caregivers
(n=799) using regular monitoring and screening outcomes. No differences
were observed between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 era in
health-related quality of life and fatigue of children. Fewer caregivers
were distressed during the COVID-19 era than pre-COVID-19. In
conclusion, the additional stress of COVID-19 did not deteriorate
psychosocial functioning of children with cancer and their caregivers.
Results may be explained by alleviating daily life changes, experience
in coping with medical traumatic stress and appropriate care and
support.