Publications (17) View all
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Article: Psychosocial life achievements in adults even if they received prophylactic cranial irradiation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia during childhood.
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to assess life goal achievements in long-term survivors (LTS) receiving cranial radiotherapy (CRT) as central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during childhood, compared to healthy individuals. Participants in this study were 141 LTS treated in our center from 1961 to 1990. Questionnaires were mailed to LTS. Analyses were stratified by age classes comparing LTS and a matched healthy population living in the same geographic area, as well as comparing patients treated with 24 Gy vs. 18 Gy CRT. Survivors reached the same educational level as controls. Significant differences were noted according to age and CRT dose. LTS had similar employment rates to those of controls, but lower marriage rates. Most respondents described their life positively, but as worse in the 24 Gy group. This study highlights the good life satisfaction of our LTS despite the long-term effects of the disease and its treatment.Leukemia & lymphoma 07/2012; · 2.40 Impact Factor -
Article: Neurodevelopmental functioning in very young children undergoing treatment for non-CNS cancers.
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ABSTRACT: We initiated a prospective study of very young children with cancer, in comparison with matched healthy children, to investigate neurodevelopmental consequences of non-CNS cancers and treatment. A total of 61 children (≤42 months) with non-CNS cancers and 61 matched controls underwent an identical age-appropriate neuropsychological test battery. Children with cancer manifested deficits compared to healthy controls in motor, mental, and language development, but were similar to controls in cognitive representational abilities and emotional relationships in interaction with their mothers. Better physician-rated health status at diagnosis and mother-rated behavioral status 1 month prior to assessment were associated with better motor and mental performance in the cancer group. This study identifies deficits as well as spared functions in children with non-CNS cancers; the results suggest ways parents and healthcare professionals may plan specific remediations to enhance quality of life in young cancer survivors.Journal of Pediatric Psychology 02/2012; 37(6):660-73. · 2.91 Impact Factor -
Article: Mental health among former child soldiers and never-abducted children in northern Uganda.
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ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to evaluate posttraumatic stress symptoms, psychological distress, and emotional and behavioral problems in former Ugandan child soldiers in comparison with civilian children living in the same conflict setting. Participants included 133 former child soldiers and 101 never-abducted children in northern Uganda, who were interviewed about exposure to traumatic war-related experiences, posttraumatic stress symptoms, psychological distress, and emotional and behavioral problems. Results indicated that former child soldiers had experienced significantly more war-related traumatic events than nonabducted children, with 39.3% of girls having been forced to engage in sexual contact. Total scores on measures of PTSD symptoms, psychological distress, and emotional and behavioral problems were significantly higher among child soldiers compared to their never-abducted peers. Girls reported significantly more emotional and behavioral difficulties than boys. In never-abducted children, more mental health problems were associated with experiencing physical harm, witnessing the killings of other people, and being forced to engage in sexual contact.TheScientificWorldJOURNAL 01/2012; 2012:367545. · 1.66 Impact Factor -
Article: Are Beslan's children learning to cope? A 3-year prospective study of youths exposed to terrorism.
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ABSTRACT: This longitudinal study aimed to assess the course of psychological symptoms and coping behaviors in 33 adolescents directly and indirectly exposed to the 2004 terrorist attack in Beslan, Russia. We also investigated the role of coping in the development of posttraumatic stress. At 1.5 and 3 years postattack, youths' psychological distress was measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory 18; emotional and behavioral difficulties were assessed via the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire; and coping behaviors were measured using the Brief COPE. Three years after the attack, posttraumatic stress symptoms were evaluated via the UCLA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index. Directly exposed youths showed a significant increase in psychological distress (P = .05) and a decrease in active coping (P = .042), whereas indirectly exposed youths reported better mental health and more active coping over time. Compared to girls, boys showed a disproportionate increase in psychological distress, emotional and behavioral problems, and avoidant coping. Direct exposure to the attack and the endorsement of avoidant coping behaviors significantly predicted the severity of posttraumatic symptoms at follow-up (P < .05 for both). Our findings highlight the importance of conducting follow-up studies to monitor long-term psychological functioning and to screen for adolescents who may need additional referral for trauma treatment. The long-term detrimental effects of avoidant coping on youths' psychological well-being underscore the need to implement early psychoeducational interventions to minimize adverse outcomes and prevent the chronicity of posttraumatic reactions.The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 07/2011; 72(9):1277-83. · 5.80 Impact Factor -
Article: Trauma reminders and PTSD symptoms in children three years after a terrorist attack in Beslan.
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ABSTRACT: As a consequence of a terrorist attack, children may experience trauma-related internal and external reminders that are directly linked to their physical and psychological health. We assessed PTSD and trauma reminders in 58 school-age children three years after the terrorist attack in Beslan, Russia in 2004, as well as their association with degree of exposure, psychological distress and coping. Findings revealed a prevalence of situational trauma reminders associated with high levels of distress in more exposed children. The presence of PTSD was predicted by level of exposure to the attack, frequency of exposure to trauma reminders, and support seeking as a coping strategy. Findings are discussed in light of the socio-political climate in Beslan and distress experienced by the population three years after the attack.Social Science [?] Medicine 12/2010; 72(5):694-700. · 2.70 Impact Factor
