Abstract

TORRADO, Jéssica  and  SANTOS, Margarida Custódio. Life experiences of cancer survivors’ siblings - systematic review. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2021, vol.22, n.3, pp.939-950.  Epub Dec 31, 2021. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/21psd220314.

In the last few decades there has been an increase in pediatric cancer survivors. Siblings share with the survivor and its family the experience of illness and its short and long term effects. Studies whom focus on the experience of the “survivors siblings” are rare and the results are not systematized. The aim of this study is to systematize knowledge about adaptation to illness, experience of survival and posttraumatic growth in siblings of pediatric cancer survivors. The systematic review followed the PRISMA orientation. The scientific databases PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched and used as descriptors pediatric cancer AND survivors AND siblings AND adaptation OR adjustment OR quality of life OR needs OR posttraumatic growth. Of the 992 articles extracted, 13 met the inclusion criteria. The results of the analysed studies revealed that, along with indicators of mental disorders, siblings show medium-high levels of resilience. It appeared that there is a higher risk of excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol, as well as higher rates of school absenteeism. The levels of quality of life found were adequate, but significantly less high in the emotional, family and social dimensions. Among the most reported needs we can confirm that access to information is one of them. When it comes to posttraumatic growth, the studies analysed showed lower levels with siblings than with survivors and parents. Results alert for the need to continue to provide psychological support to siblings in a post-treatment phase.

Keywords : Pediatric cancer; Survivors; Siblings; Posttraumatic growth.

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