Predominant approaches in studies on health-related quality of life of young survivors of childhood or adolescent cancer: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Survivors of childhood cancer constitute a growing population. The disease expe-rienced, its treatment or the occurrence of late complications may affect survivors’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Understanding HRQOL is a challenge due to its conceptual complexity and the mode in which it is studied. Objective: To identify the predominant lines of research in the study of HRQOL in this population. Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out, involving a systematic search of primary articles indexed in the Scopus and PubMed databases. Results: In the 48 publications selected, four main lines of research were identified: HRQOL in survivors in general; HRQOL in long-term survivors; the study of determinants of HRQOL; and the study of methodological aspects of HRQOL mea-surement. A quantitative approach using generic measurement instruments predominates, and the conceptual model of HRQOL based on function emphasizes the importance of physical, psycholog-ical, and social functionality and the impact of the disease and treatment on these aspects. Conclu-sions: incorporating a qualitative, meaning-based approach to the understanding of lived experi-ences from a subjective and holistic perspective is indispensable.