Coping with hospitalization in children with cancer: The importance of the hospital school

Abstract

Hospitalization affects children’s behavior, and it is dealt with through children’s coping strategies. This study aims to describe the hospitalization coping strategies adopted by children with cancer, analyzing the importance of the Hospital School. Eighteen children with cancer, aged between 6 and 12, participated in the study. The children were evaluated using the Computerized Instrument for Assessing Hospitalization Coping Strategies and their parents responded to the Child Behavior Checklist (6-18 years). The most common behaviors referred to were playing, talking, watching TV, taking medication, studying, feeling angry, and blackmailing. The most common strategies identified were rumination and distraction. The children highlighted the importance of the Hospital School as a way to continue their learning process and education. The sample’s coping patterns revealed behaviors and strategies that were favorable to coping with hospitalization during the Hospital School period, which indicated possible benefits for children undergoing cancer treatment.