Longitudinal Analysis of Psychological Distress in Grandparents of Children With Cancer: Results From a Multicenter Cohort Study in Switzerland ( <scp>GROKids</scp> Project)

OBJECTIVES: This exploratory study assessed psychological distress of grandparents of children recently diagnosed with cancer within 2 years post-diagnosis. We examined changes over time, identified associated factors, and compared distress levels with a comparison group (grandparents of survivors). METHODS: Grandparents were recruited via parents of children recently diagnosed with cancer (within 3 months). Survivors (3-10 years post-diagnosis) were asked to provide contact information of their grandparents (comparison group). Grandparents completed surveys at 3 (T1), 6 (T2), 12 (T3), and 24 months (T4) post-diagnosis. The comparison group completed a questionnaire once. Psychological distress was assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18, with three subscales (depression, anxiety, somatization), and an overall score (Global Severity Index; GSI). Scores were T-standardized. We used linear mixed models to compare distress across time points and linear regressions for between-group differences (grandparents versus comparison group). RESULTS: Forty-one grandparents (mean age = 68 years, 59% female) of 20 patients participated. In the comparison group 133 grandparents (mean age = 72 years, 60% female) of 66 survivors (mean years post-diagnosis = 6.7, SD = 2.3) participated. GSI scores were all below normative values. Increases in GSI were observed from T1 to T2 (24%) and T3 to T4 (26%). Greater distance from the child's hospital was associated with lower GSI (β: -13.27, p = 0.033) and anxiety scores (β: -5.50, p = 0.017). Grandfathers reported higher levels of somatization than grandmothers (β: 4.00, p = 0.071). Older age was associated with lower anxiety (β: -9.86, p = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Although most grandparents reported psychological distress within normative ranges, distress levels increased in some. Targeted interventions might help support grandparents of children with cancer.