For this study, only children who speak and can read Dutch are included as the developed app only contains Dutch language.
Who can enter
- Children with hypothalamic dysfunction after treatment for a brain tumor in the area where the hypothalamus is located (craniopharyngioma, low grade glioma, germinoma). Hypothalamic dysfunction is present when minimally 2 of the following symptoms occur:
- Hyperphagia (extreme hunger)
- Overweight or obesity
- Sleep pattern disruptions
- Behavioral problems
- Temperature regulation disorder
- Deficiency of hormones
- Age between 10 and 18 years during study participation
- Disease should be stable for at least 6 months
- Able to speak and understand the Dutch language
Goal
The goal of this study is to study whether the use of a mobile application for distraction and stimulation of healthy lifestyle is feasible in patients with hypothalamic dysfunction after treatment for a brain tumor.
Background
Children with a brain tumor located close to the hypothalamus, may develop hypothalamic dysfunction. The hypothalamus is an endocrine organ in the brains, responsible for keeping the body in balance. For example, the hypothalamus manages the body temperature, day-night rhythm (sleep), behavior, hunger, energy expenditure, and it sends signals to the pituitary gland to produce hormones.
Children with hypothalamic dysfunction may experience various problems, such as extreme hunger (hyperphagia) and a decreased energy expenditure. As a result, children may gain weight and develop overweight or obesity.
For the children, it is very hard to cope with the hunger. Distraction helps, but finding distraction is difficult, and parents are not available all day. Together with patients and other professionals we have developed a kind of “buddy” in a mobile app, that is available all day.
The app consists of various functions:
- Activities and games for distraction
- A diary to talk to
- Healthy recipes to cook
- Challenges to stimulate moving and healthy eating
- Create a schedule for the day