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

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.