Effects on Pediatric Cancer Survivors: The FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS) Randomized Controlled Trial

J Pediatr Psychol. 2023 Jan 12;48(1):29-38. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsac062.

Abstract

Objective: To examine as secondary analyses the effect the FAMily-Oriented Support (FAMOS) family therapy program on reducing parent-reported medical traumatic stress in the sub-sample of pediatric cancer survivors, age 2-5 years.

Methods: The FAMOS study was a national multicenter randomized controlled trial with all four pediatric oncology departments in Denmark (Clinicaltrials.gov [NCT02200731]). Families were randomized in parallel design (1:1) to intervention or usual care. The FAMOS program includes seven home-based psychotherapeutic sessions and is based on family systems therapy to address the individuals in the family system using cognitive behavioral, problem-solving and goal-setting techniques. Questionnaires were completed by parents at baseline, 6, and 12 months. In linear mixed-effects models, the effect of FAMOS on reducing children's trauma-related behavior after 6 and 12 months was examined in 62 children (31 in the intervention and 29 in the control group, respectively). It was also examined if a trauma-related behavior effect was mediated through reduced symptoms of depression in mothers and fathers, respectively.

Results: On average, children in the intervention group experienced significantly larger decreases in trauma-related behaviors at 6 and 12 months than the control group (predicted mean difference -3.89, p = .02 and -6.24, p = .003, respectively). The effect on trauma-related behavior was partly mediated through reduced symptoms of depression in mothers, but not fathers.

Conclusions: Adding to previously reported positive effects of the FAMOS intervention on parents' symptoms of post-traumatic stress and depression, significant improvements were found in young children's trauma related-behavior. Further research is needed to develop therapy for children with cancer.

Keywords: anxiety; cancer; children; cognitive behavioral therapy; depression; family; randomized controlled trial.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cancer Survivors*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mothers
  • Neoplasms* / psychology
  • Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Parents / psychology
  • Survivors / psychology

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02200731