Paternal Contributions to Biopsychosocial Outcomes of Children With Cancer: A Scoping Review

Though children with cancer experience better outcomes with supportive caregivers and family environments, these findings are predominantly informed by maternal perspectives. Given fathers' increasing involvement, this scoping review examined paternal contributions to the biopsychosocial outcomes of their children with cancer. English, full-text publications from any time before October 4, 2022 including at least one search term from these three groups were included: pediatric oncology diagnosis ≤18 years old, fathers/parents, child biopsychosocial outcomes. Title and abstract screening, full-text reviews, data extraction, and quality assessments were completed by at least two reviewers. Results are presented using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review guidelines. Of 10,116 studies screened, 29 were included. Most studies were poor (38%) or fair (45%) quality. Seventy-six percent presented significant associations between father contributions and child biopsychosocial outcomes, including child mental state, coping, behavioral adjustment, relationship quality in adulthood, and adherence. Fathers' contributions were ambiguously related to children's quality of life and physical wellbeing. Limited findings suggest fathers contribute in significant, positive ways to their child with cancer's biopsychosocial outcomes. Findings underscore research gaps and suggest greater efforts should be made to include fathers in pediatric oncology research, interventions, and clinical practice.