Predictors of generic and specific quality of life among paediatric cancer patients

The present study aims to identify clinical predictors of paediatric cancer patients’ quality of life (QOL). Children with cancer, aged from 8 to 12 years old (n=40), completed the Quality of Life Systemic Inventory – Module for Cancer - QLSI-C© (Etienne, Dupuis, Spitz, Lemétayer, & Missotten 2011; Fonseca, & Spitz, 2011; Missotten, Fonseca, Dupuis, Lemétayer, Spitz, & Etienne) and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Results show that diagnosis’ type, time after diagnosis and the fact of relapse or not accounts for 21,7% of generic QOL variance and 30,9% of specific QOL variance. Findings support that paediatric cancer patients with a diagnosis of solid tumour, a more recent diagnosis, and those who relapse are in a more vulnerable situation regarding their QOL and therefore need more attention by doctors and caregivers.