The effects of administered interventions on quality of life of children with cancer in Turkey: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyse the effects of administered interventions on the quality of life of children with cancer in Turkey. Methods The quantitative studies conducted with paediatric oncology patients, analysing the quality of life of Turkish children, and published papers from 2009 to 2019 were searched. Joanna Briggs Institution MAStARI Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research Control List and Quality Index were used for methodological assessment. Five studies comprising a total of 264 samples were included. Four studies were nonrandomised controlled trials, and one was a quasi-experimental study. Results Tests for heterogeneity showed that the studies, which included interventions increasing the quality of life of children with cancer, were heterogeneous. The common effect size of all studies on quality of life was determined as having a strong positive effect. Conclusions This meta-analysis and systematic review contribute to the knowledge of Turkish health care professionals regarding these interventions by producing results with high levels of evidence on the improvement of the quality of life among children with cancer. The present study also significantly raises awareness and encourages health care professionals to implement interventions for the improvement of quality of life among children with cancer.