Impact of Race and Socioeconomic Status on Psychologic Outcomes in Childhood Cancer Patients and Caregivers

Complex relationships between race and socioeconomic status have a poorly understood influence on psychologic outcomes in pediatric oncology. The Family Symptom Inventory was used to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety in pediatric patients with cancer and their caregivers. Separate hierarchical linear regression models examined the relationship between demographic variables, cancer characteristics, socioeconomic status, and access to care and patient or caregiver depression/anxiety. Participants included 196 pediatric patients with cancer (mean age, 11.21 y; 49% African American) and their caregivers. On average, caregivers reported low levels of depression/anxiety. Symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients were correlated with poorer mental health in caregivers (r=0.62; P<0.01). Self-reported financial difficulty (β=0.49; P<0.001) and brain cancer diagnosis for their child (β=0.42; P=0.008) were significantly associated with depression and anxiety in caregivers. Analysis did not reveal significant associations between race, household income, or access to care and patient or caregiver depression/anxiety. Perception of financial hardship can adversely impact mental health in caregivers of children with cancer. Psychosocial assessment and interventions may be especially important for caregivers of patients with brain tumors and caregivers who report feeling financial difficulty.