Psychosocial impacts of a camping experience for children with cancer and their siblings.

We conducted a prospective two-group evaluation of pediatric cancer patients and their siblings regarding experiences and affective changes resulting from a 1-week summer camp experience. The patients and siblings were assessed prior to camp (Baseline), at the end of camp (Follow-up 1), and again 4-6 months later (Follow-up 2). Assessments included standardized tests for depressive affects, social competency, and a measure of pleasure and participation in camp activities. Sixty-six children were assessed, including 31 (47%) patients and 35 (53%) siblings. Ages ranged from 7 to 17 years. Of the patient campers 19 (61%) had leukemia or lymphoma and 12 (39%) had solid tumors. Results showed marked changes in affective symptoms for patient campers over time (improvements), not shown by sibling campers. For patient campers these affective changes were not present immediately after camp, but were quite significant when measured 4-6 months later. Both patient and sibling campers reflected the same positive memories and pleasure in camp activities over time. For neither group did memories or pleasure fade over time. The camping experience did not have differential impacts on first time versus returning campers. Twelve campers (18% of sample) indicated suicidal ideation on the measure of depressive affects. They did well at camp and presented no special management issues. Expectations appear substantially different for patient versus sibling campers. The camping experience appeared to impact these groups differently, with patient campers impacted in ways not experienced by sibling campers.

Wellisch DK ，Crater B ，Wiley FM ，Belin TR ，Weinstein K ... -  《PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY》

The camp experience for siblings of pediatric cancer patients.

Hancock L 《-》

The effectiveness of a peer support camp for siblings of children with cancer.

Siblings of children with cancer have higher levels of psychological stress and adaptational difficulties compared to siblings of healthy children and children with other chronic illness. This is the first study to report on the mental health of Australian siblings of children with cancer and examines the effects of a therapeutic peer support camp-Camp Onwards, as an intervention. A protocol, designed to reduce levels of distress, improve social competence, and improve knowledge about the impact of cancer and its treatment was developed. Siblings (n=26) 8-13 years were assessed using standardised self-report measures pre and post intervention and at -8 weeks follow-up with: the Behaviour Assessment for Children (BASC) (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1992), Self Perception Profile for Children (SPP-C) (Harter, 1985), Sibling Perception Questionnaire (SPQ) (Carpenter & Sahler, 1991). Change was measured using paired t tests. At pre-test, 40% of the sample demonstrated increased levels of emotional distress when compared to the normal population. Post intervention, siblings reported lower levels of distress demonstrated by decreased anxiety (P=0.01) and positive changes in the Self Report of Personality [BASC] (P=0.00). Improved social competence was noted in the interpersonal domain of the SPQ (P=0.01) and also greater social acceptance scores on the SPP-C (P=0.01). Improved knowledge about the impact of cancer and its treatment was evidenced by significant reductions in the fear of disease domain on the SPQ (P=0.01). Siblings who attended Camp Onwards demonstrated improved mental health outcomes that were sustained at follow-up, demonstrating its effectiveness as an intervention strategy in supporting sibling adjustment.

Sidhu R ，Passmore A ，Baker D 《PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER》

Effects of an adult cancer camp on hope, perceived social support, coping, and mood states.

Yancey D ，Greger HA ，Coburn P 《-》

Medical utilization by immunodeficient, hemophiliac, and HIV positive children during summer camp: evidence for a safe camper experience.

Continuation of normal activities is vital to psychosocial development of children with serious illnesses. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not it was safe for HIV-positive children and children with other immunodeficiencies to attend camp. The study population consisted of HIV (+) children, HIV negative siblings, and other immunodeficient campers attending Barretstown Gang (BG) Camp between 1998 and 2002. Their visit frequency to the on-site medical facility was compared within the study population and between 2,323 contemporaneous campers with cancer. Over half of the HIV (+) children were on active therapy. Greater than 97% of staff (49/51) made at least one visit compared with 64% (149/233) of campers (P < 0.04). HIV (-) siblings had almost the same need for medical attention (total visits) as children with immunodeficiencies (P = 0.34). Most visits [88%] among all diagnostic groups except hemophilia were non-disease related (328 vs. 47). Apart from URIs, there were few other infections and no fevers in the HIV(+) or immunodeficiency group, nor were there significant bleeds in the hemophiliacs. Most visits were for routine camp-type ailments. Our findings suggest that it is safe for HIV (+) and immunodeficient children to attend a properly staffed camp.

Bergman J ，Kinsella E ，Kenny J ，Barbor P ，Zeltzer P ... -  《-》