Child Health Nursing Research  2013;19(3):238-245

Factors Affecting Social Adjustment of Childhood Cancer Survivors.

Su Mi OH 1 ; Hye Jung LEE ; Gwang Suk KIM ; Kyung Duk PARK

Affiliations

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Keywords

Childhood; Neoplasm; Survivors; Social adjustment

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to assess social adjustment of childhood cancer survivors and to identify factors affecting social adjustment. METHODS: Data were collected from 79 childhood cancer survivors and his/her parents. The survey consisted of questions related to characteristics, physical functioning, depression, self-esteem and coping strategies. The Social Competence Inventory was used to measure social adjustment in the children. RESULTS: The level of social adjustment of childhood cancer survivors was 83.5 out of a possible 155. Physical functioning, depression, self-esteem, and aggressive or proactive coping strategies were associated with social adjustment. Only physical functioning independently affected social adjustment. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that there are several factors influencing social adjustment of childhood cancer survivors, and therefore there is a need for programs that deal with all aspects of children's physical as well as emotional health in order to enhance their social adjustment.