Klin Padiatr 2014; 226 - P_46
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1371167

Social Inequalities in Participation and Activity in Children and Adolescents with Hodgkin's Lymphoma

A Fink 1, C Mauz-Körholz 2, D Körholz 2, M Richter 1
  • 1Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute for Medical Sociology, Halle, Saale, Germany
  • 2Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Department of Pediatrics, Halle, Saale, Germany

Background: Participation and interactions with various reference groups are important components in the development of children and adolescents. There are special challenges for young people with chronic conditions. Besides the important challenges of the current period of life, these adolescents also have to deal successfully with disease, treatment and side effects. Furthermore, they are also involved with their parents in the reflections on side effects of the treatment and potential long-term consequences. According to the ICF-CY, participation and activities are central components of health. In children and adolescents with Hodgkin's lymphoma, it is important to ensure full capabilities for participation and activity as soon as possible in order to minimize further disadvantages in the psychosocial development.

Objective: The aim of the project is to study the impact of parental socioeconomic status on participation in children and adolescents with a new Hodgkin lymphoma. Further, intermediary factors that influence participation will be identified. The focus will be on personal, social, and treatment-related factors that have been shown in other contexts as key factors in health and well-being.

Methods: A cohort study including the German participants of theEuroNet-PHL-C2 study (EuroNet-PHL-Study-Group and German Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology-Hodgkin's Disease (GPOH-HD)) will be conducted (N ≈ 700). The investigation will focus on the first three years after the diagnosis. Participants will be surveyed throughout the whole time, starting one month after the diagnosis. The survey will continue 6 months and 2 years after the end of therapy.

Discussion: The study will provide important information about socially vulnerable groups at risk of participation shortcomings. In addition intermediary factors will be determined which might explain a socially unequal participation. These determinants might be used to intervene and reduce participation shortcomings.