Abstract
Background: Pain is a frequently reported and distressing symptoms during cancer treatment. However, there is limited evidence on pain reported by Chinese children with cancer.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, intensity, interference, and management of pain reported by Chinese children during cancer treatment and explore the predictors of pain interference.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to investigate the pain intensity, pain interference, co-occurring symptoms (anger, anxiety, depression, fatigue), and pain management strategies reported by children 8 years and older undergoing active cancer treatment in 4 Chinese hospitals.
Results: Data were analyzed for 187 children. The prevalence of moderate to severe pain (>=4/10) was 38.50%, with an average pain interference score of 52.97 out of 100. Approximately 24% of children were prescribed pain medicine. Pain interference and pain intensity were marginally correlated (r = 0.047, P < .01) and were both positively correlated with pain duration and co-occurring symptoms and negatively correlated with perceived pain alleviation (all P < .01). Multiple regression analyses suggested that severe pain intensity (B = 2.028, P = .003) and fatigue (B = 0.440, P < .001) significantly predicted higher levels of pain interference (R2 = 0.547, F = 23.102, P < .001).
Conclusion: Chinese children with cancer reported a low pain intensity score but a relatively high level of pain interference. According to the children's reports, pain has not been sufficiently addressed through Chinese pediatric oncology supportive care.
Implications for Practice: There is an urgent requirement for comprehensive pain assessment and standardized, targeted interventions in Chinese pediatric oncology pain management.