A model linking uncertainty, post-traumatic stress, and health behaviors in childhood cancer survivors
Journal
Oncology Nursing Forum
Journal Volume
36
Journal Issue
1
Pages
E20
Date Issued
2009-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Purpose/Objectives: To consolidate the literature and provide a model to explain the links among uncertainty, posttraumatic stress syndrome, and health behaviors in adolescent and young adult childhood cancer survivors. Data Sources: A systemic review of related literature and theory was used for the proposed model. The literature pertaining to the Uncertainty in Illness Theory, childhood cancer late effects, post-traumatic stress, and health behaviors was reviewed and critiqued from three data sets from 1979-2007: MEDLINE?, PsycInfo, and CINAHL?. Key words used for the search were uncertainty and post-traumatic stress as well as health behaviors, including smoking, alcohol use, unsafe sex, sunscreen use, and physical inactivity. Data Synthesis: Childhood cancer survivors living with chronic uncertainty may develop a new view of life and, as a result, adopt more health-promotion behaviors and engage in less health-risk behaviors. However, survivors living with chronic uncertainty may generate symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder and, therefore, adopt fewer health-promotion behaviors and engage in more health-risk behaviors. Conclusions: The uncertainty that pervades the childhood cancer experience can lead to the development of symptoms that resemble those of post-traumatic stress. The symptoms can interfere with the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors and avoidance of health-risk behaviors. Implications for Nursing: The theoretically derived model outlined in this article can be used to guide clinical interventions and additional research into the health behaviors of childhood cancer survivors.
SDGs
Other Subjects
addiction; adolescent; adult; child; diet; female; health behavior; health promotion; high risk behavior; human; infant; lifestyle; male; motor activity; neoplasm; posttraumatic stress disorder; preschool child; prevalence; psychological aspect; psychological model; review; smoking; survivor; uncertainty; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Diet; Female; Health Behavior; Health Promotion; Humans; Infant; Life Style; Male; Models, Psychological; Motor Activity; Neoplasms; Prevalence; Risk-Taking; Smoking; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Substance-Related Disorders; Survivors; Uncertainty; Young Adult
Type
review