Article

Self-Reported Sleep Problems in Adolescent Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Linda Riley

Kristen Vangle

Jordan Gilleland

Melinda Higgins

Karen Wasilewski-Masker

sleep disturbance, adolescent, survivorship
CJON 2015, 19(1), 81-88. DOI: 10.1188/15.CJON.81-88

Background: Although sleep problems are common among adult cancer survivors, little is known about sleep problems in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer (ASCC).

Objectives: This study sought to describe (a) the prevalence of self-reported sleep problems among ASCC before treatment, during treatment, following treatment, and in survivorship follow-up; (b) the relationship between sleep problems and self-reported adverse psychosocial outcomes; and (c) the relationship between sleep problems, treatment, and disease.

Methods: Baseline surveys were received from 173 ASCC aged 13–19 years. Chi-square analyses and odds ratios were used to determine associations between sleep problems and adverse psychosocial outcomes and treatment-related variables.

Findings: Sleep problems were reported before treatment (6%), during treatment (18%), after treatment (15%), and at present (11%). ASCC reporting sleep problems reported more adverse psychosocial outcomes than those without. Significant associations (p ≤ 0.05) between sleep problems and difficulty in school were identified at all time points. Sleep problems were associated with depressive symptoms, memory problems, and anxiety during and after treatment and at present.

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