School and Social Reintegration of Children with Cancer

AbstractA model intervention package was developed to facilitate the successful school and social reintegration of children and adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer. To evaluate the effectiveness of the package, 49 school-age children ranging in age from 5 to 17 years (mean age, 9.76) were assessed with various psychological measures before the intervention was initiated and again at followup (mean interim, 8.87 months). Data also were collected from parents, teachers, school records, and hysicians. A comparison control group was made up of 36 children who had been diagnosed within the 36 months before initiation of the project. Children in the control group were assessed once with identical psychological measures. Data from the intervention group before and after the intervention were compared with those obtained from the control group. In general, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements after receivine the intervention package. Children in the control group tended to exhibit poorer school and social adjustment than the intervention mom. No group differences were demonstrated on grades or attendance: The results are discussed in terms of support for early structured school and social reintegration for newly dmagnosed children who have cancer. Major methodological issues and directions for future research are presented.