Author/Authors :
Ansari Damavandi Shahla نويسنده Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , Hassani Mehraban Afsoon نويسنده Iran University of Medical Sciences, Rehabilitation Research Center, Tehran, Iran , Amini Malek نويسنده Department of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Research Center, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran , Alizadeh Zarei Mehdi نويسنده Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran , Mohammadi Ahmad نويسنده Department of Occupational Therapy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract :
Background: Participation in daily life activities is an essential aspect of health,
which can facilitate a child’s development. Children with cancer are at risk of functional
limitations and participation restrictions. The present study aims to investigate
participation of children with cancer in daily life activities compared to healthy peers.
Methods: This was a comparative cross-sectional study. In the first phase, we assessed
the test-retest reliability of the Iranian Children Participation Assessment Scale in 30
children (6-12 years of age) diagnosed with cancer and their parents (child and parent
versions). The second phase of the study included a comparison of daily life activities
as measured by the Iranian Children Participation Assessment Scale between the
children with cancer (diagnosed at least 4 months prior and currently receiving active
treatment) and their age- and gender-matched healthy peers.
Results: The child version had excellent reliability according to Cronbach’s alpha
in diversity of activities (0.97), intensity of participation (0.95), with whom they
participated (0.95), and enjoyment of daily activities (0.94). The parent version had
excellent reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) as follows: 0.99 for diversity, 0.97 for intensity,
0.97 for with whom, 0.98 for enjoyment, and 0.98 for parents’ satisfaction. The
coefficients of agreement were 0.77 (total scores of diversity), 0.63 (intensity), 0.60
(with whom), and 0.91 (enjoyment). The child version indicated that children with cancer
had significantly lower scores in daily life activities items of diversity (P=0.000), intensity
(P=0.000), with whom (P=0.000), and enjoyment (P=0.000) compared to healthy
children. Based on the total scores in the parent version, children with cancer showed
significantly lower scores in diversity (P=0.001), intensity (P=0.000), with whom
(P=0.001), enjoyment (P=0.002), and satisfaction (P=0.000) compared to the healthy
group.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study show that cancer diagnosis and
treatment can restrict children’s participation in daily life activities. Early planning and
intervention to facilitate participation in these activities can minimize negative
consequences and may mitigate or prevent adverse long-term functional effects of
childhood cancer.
