Anxiety, Depression Levels, and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents of Parents with Cancer

OBJECTIVE Children and adolescents face significant changes in their routines and family roles when a parent is diagnosed with cancer. The aim of our study was to evaluate the levels of anxiety and depression and the quality of life in children and adolescents of parents with cancer. METHODS The study included 50 children and adolescents, aged 8-17 years, whose parents had cancer, and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Anxiety and depression levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-1 and STAI-2) and the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), respectively. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was used to measure the quality of life. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the children and adolescents of parents with cancer had significantly higher STAI-1, STAI-2, and CDI scores and significantly lower scores on the PedsQL physical health and psychosocial health subscales, as well as the total scale score (p<0.05). The majority of these children and adolescents were found to experience one or more problems related to their parent's illness, such as increased responsibilities and changes in lifestyle. CONCLUSION Our study found that anxiety and depression levels were higher and quality of life was poorer in children and adolescents of parents with cancer. These results highlight the importance of providing psychological support to these children and adolescents.