Comprehension of children with cancer about their diagnosis and treatment

• Grant number: 24/12818-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Amanda Mota Pacciulio Sposito
• Grantee: Laura Ferreira de Oliveira Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cancer is a term that encompasses at least 100 distinct types of malignant diseases which have in common the disordered proliferation of cells. According to the 2023 estimations published by National Institute of Cancer (INCA) and Health Ministry, referring to Brazil's incidence of cancer, approximately 430,000 new cases of cancer are expected to occur between children and adolescents (from 0 to 19 years old). The diagnosis of cancer causes fear, guilt, uncertainty and vulnerability in children and their families. After the confirmation of the diagnosis, the treatment begins, which has an emotional impact, as well as physical, daily and routine changes for the children and their family, requiring both of them to adapt and be resilient. In addition to the integrality of care, talking with children about their diagnosis is important as it allows them to understand what is happening, cooperate with procedures and adhere to treatment. Thus, it is considered fundamental to identify, through children with cancer's own narrative, the understanding that they have about their diagnosis and treatment. Despite its relevance, the existing literature on the subject appears to be limited. This study aims to investigate the comprehension that children have about their diagnosis and treatment. It is an exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study with qualitative data analysis. The study participants are hospitalized children from the scholar age group (between 6 and 11 years and 11 months old), with any cancer diagnosis. A semi-structured interview will be employed, using finger puppets as a ludic strategy, a communication supportive technique, in a public tertiary hospital. The obtained data will be analyzed qualitatively through content analysis. Part of data collection will be derived from medical records pertaining to the diagnoses and treatments administered to the children. It is anticipated that this study will contribute to the expansion of thematic knowledge, the identification of children's understandings, and the delineation of knowledge gaps in patients. Furthermore, it is hoped that the findings will inform professional practice in occupational therapy and other disciplines within the multidisciplinary healthcare team.