The feasibility and acceptability of mobile ecological momentary assessment to evaluate sleep, family functioning, and affect in patients with pediatric craniopharyngioma.

Abstract

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES:

We aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of mobile ecological momentary assessment (mEMA) for youth with craniopharyngioma and evaluate daily associations among family functioning, affect, and sleep difficulties.

DESIGN/RESEARCH APPROACH:

Youth completed two mEMA diaries per day for one week.

SAMPLE/PARTICIPANTS:

Thirty-nine youth who underwent surgery and proton radiotherapy (when indicated) for craniopharyngioma.

METHODS/METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH:

Descriptive statistics and multi-level modeling were used to examine feasibility and acceptability of mEMA and daily associations among family functioning, affect, and sleep.

FINDINGS:

Youth reported satisfaction and minimal burden from completing daily mEMA diaries. Poorer family functioning was not related to lower sleep efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION:

mEMA is an acceptable and feasible method for evaluating sleep and related variables in children and adolescents with craniopharyngioma.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS OR POLICY:

Results highlight the utility of gathering mEMA data in youth at elevated risk for sleep difficulties as a function of their illness/treatment.

• Authors: Nour Al Ghriwati, Marcia Winter, Joshua Semko, Thomas E Merchant, Valerie McLaughlin Crabtree
• Journal: Journal of psychosocial oncology (J Psychosoc Oncol) Pg. 1-16 (Aug 01 2023) ISSN: 1540-7586 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 37526202 (Publication Type: Journal Article)