Research Article  |   December 2015
Activities of Daily Living in Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumor
Catherine Demers; Isabelle Gélinas; Anne-Sophie Carret
Author Affiliations
  • Catherine Demers, MSc, is Graduate Student, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, and Occupational Therapist, Division of Haematology-Oncology, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, Montreal, Quebec; catherine.demers@mail.mcgill.ca
  • Isabelle Gélinas, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, and Researcher, Montreal Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation–Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital Research Site, Laval, Quebec
  • Anne-Sophie Carret, MD, is Pediatric Haematologist–Oncologist, Division of Haematology–Oncology, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Centre, Montreal, Quebec
Article Information
Neurologic Conditions / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Children and Youth
Research Article   |   December 2015
Activities of Daily Living in Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumor
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, December 2015, Vol. 70, 7001220040p1-7001220040p8. doi:10.5014/ajot.2016.014993
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, December 2015, Vol. 70, 7001220040p1-7001220040p8. doi:10.5014/ajot.2016.014993
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. This cross-sectional, descriptive study evaluated the performance in activities of daily living (ADLs) of youth and young adult survivors of childhood brain tumor (BT) and explored associations with health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHOD. Thirty-six participants were examined using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills to evaluate their quality of ADL task performance and the Medical Outcomes Study 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF–12) to evaluate HRQoL.

RESULTS. Participants had significantly lower performance in ADLs compared with age norms (p < .05), and their functional level was positively associated with the SF–12 Physical (r 2 = .5) and Mental (r 2 = .3) scales.

CONCLUSION. Participants had significant limitations in both motor and process skills, which affected their performance in ADLs. Study results emphasize the importance of long-term follow-up and rehabilitation services aimed at improving the functional level and HRQoL of BT survivors.