Table 1 Comparison of the different components of the three studies of the GROKids project in detail
Study 1 | Study 2 | Study 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
Time from the diagnosis of childhood cancer | 0–2 years (Immediate and acute effects) | 0–2 years (Immediate and acute effects) | 3–10 years (Long-term effects) |
Type of study | Quantitative | Qualitative | Quantitative |
Method | Cohort study using self-administered questionnaires | Semi-structured interviews | Cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires |
Identification of eligible families | • Prospective enrollment of new cases in clinics • Volunteer participation | Same as Study 1 | • Through patient pediatric oncology patient list • Volunteer participation |
Eligibility criteria | For grandchild with cancer • Diagnosis of any childhood cancer within the last three months, except “watch and wait” patients • Patient aged ≤ 18 years at diagnosis • Patient is a resident of Switzerland (or near the borders) at the start of the study • Patient is under active treatment • Treatment in Switzerland • At least one grandparent or step-grandparent is alive For grandparents • Fluent in German, French, or Italian | Same as Study 1 | For grandchild cancer survivor • Diagnosis of any type of childhood cancer • Has been diagnosed 3 to 10 years ago and is off treatment, based on the date of diagnosis • Survivor aged ≤ 18 years at diagnosis • Survivor was a resident of Switzerland at the diagnosis • Survivor was under treatment (no watch-and-wait patients) • Treatment in Switzerland • At least one grandparent or step-grandparent is alive For grandparents • Fluent in German, French, or Italian |
Time points | T1 – 3 months T2 – 6 months T3 – 1 year T4 – 2 years | Between T2-T4 | T5-3 to 10 years from the diagnosis |
Main Outcomes | • Acute and chronic disease • Pain • Quality-of-life • Depression and anxiety • Post-traumatic stress • Adaptations to stress • Partner and family relationships | • Experiences • Help and support • Health and well-being • Daily life and employment • Relationship • Advice to grandparents and positive outcomes | • Acute and chronic disease • Pain • Quality-of-life • Depression and anxiety • Post-traumatic stress • Adaptations to stress • Partner and family relationships |
Analysis | Repeated measures using multilevel regression | Thematic content analysis | Univariable and multivariable regression |