Children's knowledge of cancer and its treatment: Impact of an oncology camp experience

doi:10.1016/S0022-3476(05)82876-8

The Journal of Pediatrics

Volume 116, Issue 2, February 1990, Pages 207-213

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3476(05)82876-8 Get rights and content

Because pediatric oncology camps provide an opportunity for children who have had cancer to interact with their peers in an informal, recreational environment, this study was designed to determine (1) whether cancer and its treatment are discussed informally among the children, (2) what kinds of information are exchanged if such discussions take place, and (3) how these interaction might affect the children's knowledge and understanding of cancer and its treatment. The study included detailed, open-ended, structured interviews and observational accounts of the subjects before, during, and after camp. These interviews and observations in a sample of 50 children revealed that the children engaged in informal discussion about cancer and its treatment, and that information on a variety of topics, ranging from medical procedures to prognosis, was exchanged. Despite the lack of formal instruction, there was a significant increase in the children's knowledge about cancer and its treatment. Age, sex, diagnosis, years since diagnosis, treatment status and times at camp were not found to be significant determinants of gain in knowledge. No control group was studied, but we believe that the data support the conclusion that attending a camp for children with cancer improves their knowledge of the disease and its treatment.

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In our study, providers reported that campers learned about the experience of illness by observing their peers, which some providers explained was a more salient learning experience than formal instructions from their healthcare providers or other adults. While some camps have included formal sessions detailing technical information associated with a patient's diagnosis and treatment, and addressing psychosocial issues accompanying living with a chronic disease (Beckwitt, 2014; Gillard et al., 2011), other studies have concluded that campers can gain knowledge about their disease and practical problem solving skills apart from any formal instructions (Bluebond-Langner, Perkel, Goertzel, Nelson, & McGeary, 1990; Pulgaron, Salamon, Patterson, & Barakat, 2010). Some campers learned more information about their medical condition through informal educational activities led by a camp physician (Desai et al., 2014).
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Original articleChildren's knowledge of cancer and its treatment: Impact of an oncology camp experience

J Chronic Dis

A summer camp for children with cancer

Med Pediatr Oncol

The relationship between self-concept and a summer camping program for children and adolescents who have cancer

J Assoc Pediatr Oncol Nurs

Impact of a summer camp experience on daily activity and family interactions among children with cancer

J Pediatr Psychol

A very special camp

Am J Nurs

Quasi-experimentation: design and analysis issues for field settings

Original article
Children's knowledge of cancer and its treatment: Impact of an oncology camp experience