Symptoms of cancer in children and family care strategies

Abstract

Introduction: Pain and nausea/vomiting symptoms in children with cancer are provoked by the disease or chemotherapy treatment. Managing these symptoms is a challenge for families. Purposes: To describe and analyze the relationship of pain and nausea/vomiting symptoms in children with cancer and to describe the family care strategies for these symptoms. Materials and Methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted with a sample of 31 children and their families from an oncopediatric hospital in Veracruz, Mexico. Instruments such as Face pain scale - revised, chemotherapy-induced nausea-vomiting classification and questionnaire of family care strategies for symptom management were filled out. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using Spearman Rho correlation and SPSS 20.0 software. Results: Children reported moderate pain in 48%, mild pain in 29% and severe pain in 23%. Acute nausea-vomiting was reported in 74%, anticipatory nausea-vomiting in 16% and delayed nausea-vomiting in 10%. There is an association between delayed nausea-vomiting and the anticipatory (r =435<0.05). Families alleviate pain in children using spiritual strategies, diversion and drugs. In the event of nausea and vomiting, they avoid food-related odor environments and hot beverage consumption. Discussion: The intensity of pain in the child depends on the cancer type and treatment. Nausea-vomiting is considered the most troublesome symptom during chemotherapy. Conclusions: Research brings scientific data to study these symptoms and future possible physical and psychological sequels (depression, anxiety, etc.) in children with cancer, as well as the effectiveness of family strategies to manage these symptoms.