THE “SUN AND ADVENTURE ” PROJECT – A CHANCE TO BUILD QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHILDREN CANCER SURVIVORS

• Authors: Lis-Kujawski Andrzej , Antoszewska Beata , Kujawska-Lis Ewa
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

This paper aims at presenting the results of research carried out during the “Sun and Adventure” project dedicated for children – cancer survivors. The research focused on sociotherapeutic and psychosocial benefits for the Project’s participants. The methods involved questionnaire technique: a slightly modified Polish adaptation of QOLCE (Health-Related Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy) and the Polish adaptation of Spielberger’s state-trait anxiety questionnaire in the version dedicated to children STAI – C. The results were complemented by interviews carried out with the participants during the camp organized within the Project framework. Participation in the Project influenced the quality of life of the cancer survivors, although to a lesser extent than it might have been expected. The obtained results are relatively minor due to the high initial quality of life level of the participants. Nevertheless, participation in this program may contribute to positive changes in the functioning of cancer survivors. In the view of future editions of the Project, it is necessary to implement more precise inclusion criteria to maximize the effects of potential positive changes. It appears that such criteria as good health condition and desire to participate in the Project are insufficient to optimally select the participants. Inviting children to participate in the “Sun and Adventure” Project (and similar initiatives aiming at improving quality of life) should be also based on evaluation of the family environment and the financial situation of the participant, as well as the psychological consequences of cancer treatment (for example, anxiety, depression, difficulties with group adaptation). Implications for cancer survivors are following: organized and structured camps involving physical activity and psychological assistance are profitable for young cancer survivors whose social development has been affected by their illness and treatment.

Keywords

EN

quality of life; children with cancer; cancer survivors; physical activity; sociotherapeutic activities

• Publisher: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warmińsko-Mazurskiego
• Journal: Civitas et Lex
• Year: 2015
• Issue: 2(6)
• Pages: 19-37

Contributors

author

Lis-Kujawski Andrzej

author

Antoszewska Beata

author

Kujawska-Lis Ewa