Correlates of unmet needs and psychological distress in adolescent and young adults who have a parent diagnosed with cancer.

Young people who have a parent with cancer experience elevated levels of psychological distress and unmet needs. In this study, we examined the associations between demographics, cancer variables and family functioning and levels of distress and unmet needs amongst young people who have a parent diagnosed with cancer. Young people aged 12-24 years with a parent with cancer (n = 255) completed the Offspring Cancer Needs Instrument (unmet needs), the Kessler-10 (distress) and the Family Relationship Index (family functioning), along with measures of demographics and cancer variables (such as age, sex and time since cancer diagnosis). Variables associated with distress and unmet needs (including unmet need domains) were assessed using multiple linear regression. Being female and older, having more unmet cancer needs and poorer family functioning were associated with increased distress. Having a father with cancer, a shorter time since diagnosis and poor family functioning were associated with increased unmet needs. Family conflict and expressiveness were particularly important components of family functioning. Having a parent relapse with cancer was also associated with unmet needs in the domains of practical assistance, 'time out' and support from other young people who have been through something similar. Delineating factors associated with increased distress and unmet needs assist in identifying at-risk young people allowing improved assessment and tailoring of support to improve the psychosocial outcomes of young people impacted by parental cancer.

McDonald FE ，Patterson P ，White KJ ，Butow PN ，Costa DS ，Kerridge I ... -  《-》

Predictors of unmet needs and psychological distress in adolescent and young adult siblings of people diagnosed with cancer.

Predictors of psychological distress and unmet needs amongst adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who have a brother or sister diagnosed with cancer were examined. There were 106 AYAs (12-24 years old) who completed questionnaires covering demographics, psychological distress (Kessler 10), unmet needs (Sibling Cancer Needs Instrument) and family relationships (Family Relationship Index; Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire; Sibling Perception Questionnaire (SPQ)). Three models were analysed (demographic variables, cancer-specific variables and family functioning variables) using multiple linear regression to determine the role of the variables in predicting psychological distress and unmet needs. Unmet needs were higher for AYA siblings when treatment was current or a relapse had occurred. Higher scores on the SPQ-Interpersonal subscale indicating a perceived decrease in the quality of relationships with parents and others were associated with higher levels of distress and unmet needs. The age and gender of the AYA sibling, whether it was their brother or sister who was diagnosed with cancer, the age difference between them, the number of parents living with the AYA sibling, parental birth country, time since diagnosis, Family Relationship Index, Adult Sibling Relationship Questionnaire and the SPQ-Communication subscale did not significantly impact outcome variables. These results highlight the variables that can assist in identifying AYA siblings of cancer patients who are at risk and have a greater need for psychosocial assistance. Variables that may be associated with increased distress and unmet needs are reported to assist with future research. The results are also useful in informing the development of targeted psychosocial support for AYA siblings of cancer patients.

McDonald FE ，Patterson P ，White KJ ，Butow P ，Bell ML ... -  《-》

The initial development of an instrument to assess the psychosocial needs and unmet needs of young people who have a parent with cancer: piloting the offspring cancer needs instrument (OCNI).

Patterson P ，Pearce A ，Slawitschka E 《-》

Levels of unmet needs and distress amongst adolescents and young adults (AYAs) impacted by familial cancer.

To describe levels of, and relationships between, distress and psychosocial unmet needs in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with a family member with cancer. Adolescents and young adults (12-24 years old) with a living sibling or parent with cancer participated. Participants completed demographics, the Kessler 10 (K10) distress scale and the Sibling or Offspring Cancer Needs Instruments. Descriptive statistics were obtained for all measures, item-level frequencies were examined to identify common unmet needs, and relationships between distress and unmet needs were explored. Average sibling (N = 106) and offspring (N = 256) distress levels were in the high range (K10total = 22-30), with 29.6% and 31.6% in the very high range (K10total = 31-50), respectively. Siblings had mean = 19.7 unmet needs (range 0-45), 66% had ≥10 unmet needs, and 44% of the 45 needs were unmet on average. Offspring had mean = 22.4 unmet needs (range 0-47), 77% had ≥10 unmet needs, and 48% of the 47 needs were unmet on average. Strong positive correlations were found between K10 distress and the number of sibling/offspring unmet needs (r = 0.599 and r = 0.522, respectively, P = .00). Australian AYA siblings and offspring impacted by familial cancer experience high levels and numbers of unmet needs and substantial distress. Strong associations were found between increased distress and more unmet needs. Distress levels were comparable to AYAs seeking treatment for mental health issues. Insights into the type and number of needs experienced by AYA siblings and offspring will facilitate development and delivery of targeted, age-appropriate interventions, and resources for these vulnerable and underserved young people.

Patterson P ，McDonald FEJ ，White KJ ，Walczak A ，Butow PN ... -  《-》

What young people need when a family member dies of cancer.

McDonald FEJ ，Patterson P ，Tindle R 《-》