Oncological Disease at Preschool Age and the Transition to School (ikids-OEVA).

Does cancer diagnosed at preschool age affect the transition to school, early academic success and educational opportunities for the children concerned? An epidemiological study of the short- and long-term effects of developmental and health status at the start of school on quality of life, participation, capability and academic success among survivors of childhood cancer before school entry.

Project period: 2013 - 2017

This project was part of the ikidS I project.

The study protocol for the project (in German) can be accessed here(PDF 473,4 KB).

Background

Numerous international studies show a relationship between cancer and long-term impairments in learning, communication, school performance and quality of life. In particular, the side effects of cancer treatment lead to impairments in cognitive function and in visual and auditory perception. Many studies criticise the fact that children’s difficulties are either not recognised at all or not recognised early enough, and are not provided with appropriate care.

Cancer in preschool children could have a negative impact on their adaptation to school, early academic success, school career and, consequently, their socioeconomic status. To date, there has been no systematic assessment of the health, psychosocial and educational difficulties experienced by survivors of childhood cancer at preschool age, which could serve as a basis for the further medical care and specific educational support required to ensure successful adaptation to school and early academic success.

Objectives

The main aim of the project was to improve the care provided to survivors of childhood cancer at preschool age during their transition to and adaptation to school, in order to give them the best possible educational opportunities and to support their health development as effectively as possible. The study therefore investigated the association between the diagnosis of cancer in preschool children and educational outcomes, in particular early academic success. The potential positive effects of care and support measures were assessed, taking into account individual and family factors. The findings are to be used to develop efficient care and support structures.

Project Procedure

A prospective cohort study was conducted with parent questionnaires at two measurement time points. 300 children with cancer diagnosed at preschool age and completed cancer treatments along with their parents were followed up until the end of first grade. At the time of their preschool health examination, the children were examined for the presence of any further medical conditions and other health impairments, and any care and support measures that have already been utilised were recorded. Changes in health were recorded via a follow-up questionnaire 10 months after the children started school. At the end of first grade, early academic success was assessed from the perspective of parents and teachers.

Funding

German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

Contact

Prof. Dr. Michael S. Urschitz, EU-MSc. (Principal investigator)
E-Mail: urschitz@uni-mainz.de