The Impact of Hematologic Cancer and Its Treatment on Physical Activity Level and Quality of Life Among Children in Mainland China A Descriptive Study

Background The effects of hematologic cancer and its treatment on Chinese children's physical activity level and quality of life (QoL) remain unclear despite numerous studies conducted in Western countries and Hong Kong. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the effects of hematologic cancer and its treatment on the physical activity level and QoL among Chinese children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. One hundred twenty-five children who were admitted for treatment of hematologic cancer and 243 healthy counterparts of similar age participated in this study. All participants were asked to complete the Chinese University of Hong Kong: Physical Activity Rating for Children and Youth and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. The children with hematologic cancer also completed a therapy-related symptom checklist. Results There were statistically significant differences in the mean physical activity and QoL between children with hematologic cancer and their healthy counterparts. Multiple regression analyses showed that physical activity levels and the adverse effects of hematologic cancer treatment had statistically significant effects on the children's QoL. Conclusions Physical activity level and QoL in children with hematologic cancer were both lower than those in their healthy counterparts.