Practice and Perceptions of Alternative Psychotherapies in Pediatric Oncology: Experience from the Pediatric Oncology Unit at Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar

El Hadji Makhtar BA*, Abibatou Guene*, Awa Thiaw, Fatou Ndoye Fall, Ndioba Mbengue, Alassane Seck, Pape Momar Gueye, Soda Mamie Lo, Sokhna Fatou Thioune, Mame Ndella Diouf, Awa Ndiaye, Fatou Binetou Diagne Akonde, Ndeye Fatou Sow, Sidy Sow, Abou BA and Assane Sylla

Introduction: A pediatric cancer diagnosis is a major psychological ordeal for the child and his or her family. This study aims to evaluate the integration, participation, and perception of alternative psychotherapies (art therapy, storytelling therapy, psychomotor therapy, and playgroups) within the Pediatric Oncology Unit (UOP) at Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar.

Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted from January 1, 2021, to August 1, 2022 (20 months) among 87 patients treated at the UOP and their caregivers. Sociodemographic and clinical data, as well as assessments of treatments, were collected through telephone interviews and analyzed using Epi Info v7.

Results: The mean age of the children was 8.1 ± 3.8 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.1. The majority of patients lived in rural areas (55.2%) and were primarily diagnosed with acute leukemia (42.5%) or nephroblastoma (28.7%). Mothers accounted for 58.8% of respondents. Attendance was particularly high for art therapy (97.7%) and psychomotor therapy (90.8%). Art therapy was identified as the most beneficial (71.3%). A high level of satisfaction was reported (90.8%), and 97.7% of respondents perceived an improvement in the child’s psychological state (mean score of 8.0 ± 1.8 out of 10).

Conclusion: Alternative psychotherapies provide significant psychosocial benefits in the management of pediatric cancers in Senegal. Increasing the frequency of sessions and strengthening material and human resources remain key priorities for ensuring the long-term sustainability of this program.

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Published on: Aug 18, 2026 Pages: 42-47

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/apt.000074
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