Evaluating a Self- and Family Management Framework for Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors

Abstract

This study evaluated adaptations to the revised Self- and Family Management Framework aimed at enhancing support for families of young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors (YAS). Baseline data from condition-focused caregivers of YAS (N = 53) examined correlations between the Framework’s Facilitators and Barriers (individual/contextual/clinical factors), Processes (caregiver problem-solving), Proximal Outcomes (YAS self-management, caregiver family management), and Distal Outcomes (YAS/caregiver HRQOL). All aspects of family management were associated with YAS HRQOL; only Parent Mutuality was associated with caregiver HRQOL. Problem-solving was partially supported as a process linked to family management and caregiver HRQOL. Individual/contextual/clinical factors were not associated with problem-solving. Self-management was not associated with problem-solving or HRQOL. Interventions grounded in concepts of family management may improve YAS HRQOL and have future potential for family nursing practice. Further research is needed to understand the divergence between HRQOL findings, partial support for problem-solving, and lack of associations with individual/contextual/clinical factors, and self-management.