Behavioural problems in children of mothers with cancer-empirical results from oncological mother-child-rehabilitation

Wiedebusch S, Hellmann S, Schulte T, Muthny FA

Zusammenfassung

Objective: To assess behavioural problems in children of mothers with cancer, who participated in an oncological mother-child-rehabilitation. Material and methods: 159 mothers with cancer reported their child's behavioural problems by a follow-up questionnaire. Furthermore, mothers' quality of life (SF-12) and psychopathological symptoms (BSI) as well as sociodemographic parameters were assessed. Results: Mothers reported on 234 children. Children's behavioural problems were foremost reported as high affectionate behaviour", followed by separation anxiety" and anxiety, that their mother could die". Differences in mother's reports on behavioural problems did not depend on the child's sex but appeared to be stronger with higher age of the child. Mothers' quality of life as well as their clinical scores on depression, anxiety and somatization were correlated significantly with the perceived behavioural problems of their children. Conclusion: Mothers with cancer frequently experience behavioural problems in their children. Therefore, a routine diagnostic process and psychosocial care should be integrated in oncological mother-child-rehabilitation.