Background
The associations of wellbeing with psychosocial and clinical factors in young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCS) are still underexplored in cancer survivorship research despite the impact of a cancer experience on their long-term mental health.
Hypotheses/Research Questions
What psychosocial and clinical factors are uniquely associated with wellbeing above and beyond depressive symptoms?
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size
Participants were from the Project Forward Cohort, a population-based study of young adult survivors of childhood cancer. Participants (n=1,106; mean age=25.1, SD=4.9; 50.8% female; 51.5% Hispanic; Leukemia 36.1%, Lymphoma 21.7%; mean age at diagnosis=11.7, mean years since diagnosis=14.52) were recruited through the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program (Cancer Registry covering Los Angeles County; LAC).
Design
This is a cross-sectional, population-based, observational cohort. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires through mail, internet, and phone. Wellbeing and Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Mental Health Continuum and the Center Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, respectively. Multiple regressions of wellbeing as the outcome variable were performed with clinical and psychosocial variables as independent variables. Covariates included demographics (age, gender, relationship status, race/ethnicity), and depressive symptoms.
Results
In the multivariable model, posttraumatic growth, social support, sense of reaching adulthood, and overall health status remained significantly associated with wellbeing (all p’s <.05). Treatment intensity and years since diagnosis were not significantly associated with wellbeing.
Scientific Contribution
There are unique correlates of wellbeing above and beyond depressive symptoms among YACCS. Psychosocial interventions and survivorship care for YACCS, should consider the broad aspects of wellbeing, independent of the avoidance/prevention of depressive symptoms. Positive psychology interventions provide unique opportunities for addressing wellbeing and can be considered to support the psychosocial and clinical care for YACCS, including fostering optimal transition to adulthood and adult-oriented care.