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Ljungman L, Romare Strandh M, Gustafsson N, Muriel AC, Moore CW, Enebrink P, Wikman A. Psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Parenting Concerns Questionnaire in parents with cancer. Acta Oncol 2024; 63:592-599. [PMID: 39037078 PMCID: PMC11332499 DOI: 10.2340/1651-226x.2024.40728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Parenting concerns can be a major source of distress for patients with cancer who are parents of dependent children; however, these are often not addressed in health care. The Parenting Concerns Questionnaire (PCQ) is an instrument designed to assess parents' worries about the impact of cancer on their children and their ability to parent during this time. The Swedish version of the PCQ has, however, not been evaluated. This study therefore aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the PCQ in a sample of Swedish parents with cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS A sample of 336 patients with cancer having dependent children (≤18 years) were included in a cross-sectional web-based survey. Participants completed questionnaires assessing parenting concerns, depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms (DASS); self-efficacy, family functioning (FAD-GF); and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Descriptive analyses, as well as reliability and validity analyses, were conducted followed by a confirmatory factor analysis of the factor structure proposed by the authors of the original version of the PCQ. RESULTS The majority were mothers (94.9%) with breast cancer (66.4%) aged 40-50 years (59.5%). The results showed evidence for convergent, criterion, and known group's validity, but the original three-factor structure of the PCQ was not fully supported by confirmatory factor analysis. INTERPRETATION Evaluating parenting concerns may be an important step towards identifying patients who could benefit from targeted psychosocial interventions. However, the PCQ may require some further refinement to fully capture the breadth of parenting concerns in parents with cancer in different settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Ljungman
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Romare Strandh
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan (WOMHER), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Niklas Gustafsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna C Muriel
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia W Moore
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pia Enebrink
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Wikman
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Romare Strandh M, Enebrink P, Stålberg K, Sörensdotter R, Ljungman L, Wikman A. Parenting under pressure: a cross-sectional questionnaire study of psychological distress, parenting concerns, self-efficacy, and emotion regulation in parents with cancer. Acta Oncol 2024; 63:468-476. [PMID: 38910314 PMCID: PMC11332455 DOI: 10.2340/1651-226x.2024.40404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE As many as one in four adults with cancer have children under 18 years. Balancing parenting and cancer is challenging and can be a source of psychological distress. This study aimed to examine psychological distress in parents with cancer and its associations with parenting concerns, self-efficacy, and emotion regulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study of 406 parents (aged 25-60 years) diagnosed with cancer within the last 5 years, with at least one dependent child (≤ 18 years). Parents completed questionnaires on psychological distress (DASS-21), parenting concerns (PCQ), self-efficacy (GSE), emotion regulation (ERQ), mental and physical health, and sociodemographics. Data were analysed using multiple logistic regressions on depression (yes/no), anxiety (yes/no), and stress (yes/no). RESULTS Higher parenting concerns were associated with greater odds of depression (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.64-3.31), anxiety (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.64-3.20), and stress (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 2.20-4.69) when adjusting for health and sociodemographic factors. Poorer self-efficacy was associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89-0.99, p < 0.05), whereas lower use of cognitive reappraisal and higher use of expressive suppression increased the odds of depression (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.59-0.98 | OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.18-1.80). INTERPRETATION The findings highlight the complexity of parental well-being in relation to parenthood and cancer, stressing the need for interventions that address relevant psychological factors to improve overall mental health in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Romare Strandh
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan (WOMHER), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Pia Enebrink
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Stålberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Lisa Ljungman
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Wikman
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan (WOMHER), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Li JL, Ye Q, Liu N. Cancer parents' experiences of parenting concerns about minor children: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2024; 6:100210. [PMID: 38872959 PMCID: PMC11169080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Some cancer patients not only endure physical and mental distress due to the disease and treatment but also shoulder the responsibility of raising their children. This situation significantly impacts the patients' quality of life. While there is a growing body of qualitative research focusing on parenting concerns among cancer patients, there remains a lack of comprehensive qualitative evidence. Objective This study aims to conduct a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative research evidence, investigating the experiences of cancer patients in raising minor children. Design Systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies. Settings Through a screening process employing inclusion/exclusion criteria, qualitative studies specifically addressing cancer patients raising minor children were identified. Participants Participants: A total of 669 participants from 40 studies were included in the review. Methods Four English (Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane Library) and three Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang and Sinomed) databases were searched for qualitative studies of the real-life experiences of raising children in cancer patients from the establishment of the library to January 2024. The methodological quality of the included literature was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CSAP). Qualitative data were extracted, summarized, and meta-synthesized. Results A total of 26 studies were included in this meta-synthesis, encompassing 11 different countries. 160 themes were extracted from these included literatures, which were combined into ten categories, ultimately forming four themes: the impact of parents' disease on their children, the challenges of parenting, coping strategies, and multifaceted parenting needs. Based on the Confidence in the Output of Qualitative research synthesis (ConQual) approach, the confidence level of the synthesized findings ranged from moderate to low. Conclusions Cancer patients experience significant psychological stress while raising children, which can lead to a reduction in their quality of life and influence treatment decisions. These findings elucidate the parenting concerns experienced by cancer patients, allowing medical staff to understand their emotions and treatment preferences. Additionally, healthcare professionals should pay attention to the special needs of this group and develop targeted interventions to support and reduce patients' psychological stress and burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ling Li
- Department of Nursing, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Qin Ye
- Department of Nursing, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Basic Teaching and Research in General Medicine, Department of Fundamentals, Zhuhai Campus of Zunyi Medical University, Guangdong, China
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Chong YY, Temesgen WA, Chan H, Wong CL, Cheng HY. Psychosocial interventions for improving mental health and family functioning in families with parental cancer: A systematic review. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 68:102505. [PMID: 38309255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parental cancer significantly impacts both parents and children, necessitating psychosocial interventions to enhance family well-being. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions targeting parents with cancer on their mental health, quality of life, their children's well-being, and family functioning. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for relevant articles published from 2006 to 2023. The methodological aspects of eleven studies from diverse countries were critically evaluated. RESULTS The review included 496 parents, primarily female breast cancer patients, and their children. Narrative synthesis highlighted interventions that aimed to strengthen parent-child connection (Enhancing Connection (EC)), enhance family communication, improve psychological well-being of parents (Struggle for Life Intervention), and address children's mental health (Wonders and Worries (W&W)). Additionally, interventions like Cancer PEPSONE Program (CPP) aimed to expand social networks and support systems. These interventions demonstrated success in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms, parenting stress, and mitigating children's externalizing and internalizing problems. However, they were not exempt from methodological limitations such as participant selection bias, lack of blinding, and low follow-up rates. CONCLUSIONS Based on the review, psychological support for parents with cancer is an emerging field, predominantly explored in Western countries with a significant emphasis on maternal experiences. The early stage of this field and inherent methodological limitations warrant cautious interpretation of these findings and further research for comprehensive understanding and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen Yu Chong
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
| | - Worku Animaw Temesgen
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Hailey Chan
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Cho Lee Wong
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Ho Yu Cheng
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
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Glazer K, Wazirali D, Koszer L, Canter BE, Pinto B, Stursberg L, Coster WJ, Newman R. Parenting With and Beyond Cancer: A Photo-Elicitation Study. OTJR-OCCUPATION PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH 2023:15394492231217746. [PMID: 38158839 DOI: 10.1177/15394492231217746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the occupational performance of parents with cancer and to understand if photo-elicitation would provide new insights into these experiences. In a semi-structured photo-elicitation interview, 36 participants living with and beyond cancer who had children under 18 years old shared and discussed photographs related to their parenting experiences. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Two main themes were identified. Parents shared how they (a) managed daily responsibilities and (b) maintained connection with their family. Across all types, stages and phases of the cancer continuum parents shared experiences related to maintaining child and family responsibilities and maintaining connection with their children. Photo-elicitation was an efficient and effective method to gather rich data from parents living with cancer. The results emphasize the clinical utility of using photo-elicitation to understand the occupational performance of parents throughout the cancer continuum of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Glazer
- North Suffolk Mental Health Association, Chelsea, MA, USA
| | | | - Laura Koszer
- Boston University, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, MA, USA
| | | | - Brianna Pinto
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Braintree, MA, USA
| | | | - Wendy J Coster
- Boston University, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, MA, USA
| | - Robin Newman
- Boston University, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, MA, USA
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Johannsen L, Frerichs W, Inhestern L, Bergelt C. Exploring the perspectives of cancer patients parenting minor children: A qualitative study on family-centered cancer care experiences. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 117:107989. [PMID: 37812964 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Parents with cancer experience not only disease-related burden but also child- and family-related concerns. According to the German guidelines, all professionals working in oncology are responsible for addressing these burdens and needs and for involving the patient's relatives. This study aims to explore patients' perspectives on their experiences regarding family-centeredness in cancer care. METHODS We conducted interviews with 18 cancer patients parenting at least one minor child (< 18). The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Most parents reported that their healthcare professionals (HCPs) rarely or not routinely discussed family issues. There was a wide range of ways in which HCPs communicated about family issues. Parents often felt unsure about professionals' responsibilities and many of them expressed a desire for more proactive communication. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the majority of patients have unmet needs related to comprehensive care as parents. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS HCPs need to be sensitized to identify parents facing additional burdens and needs. It is essential that HCPs clarify parents' preferences regarding the extent of involvement of family issues in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lene Johannsen
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany.
| | - Wiebke Frerichs
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Laura Inhestern
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Corinna Bergelt
- Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; Department of Medical Psychology, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
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Romare Strandh M, Hovén E, Sörensdotter R, Stålberg K, Enebrink P, Ljungman L, Wikman A. The Complexity of Being a Parent in the Hospital and a Patient at Home: A Qualitative Study on Parenting Concerns and Challenges Among Parents With Cancer. Cancer Nurs 2023:00002820-990000000-00168. [PMID: 37731179 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents given a diagnosis of cancer must balance the demands of their illness and caregiving responsibilities. This can result in parental stress and have a negative impact on the well-being of the whole family. A greater understanding of the experiences of parents with cancer is necessary to provide adequate support. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore parenting concerns and challenges among parents with cancer who were caring for dependent children younger than 18 years. METHODS Semistructured interviews were carried out with 22 parents with cancer. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Parental concerns and challenges affected parents in their parental role and their everyday family life. Three overarching themes described the struggles in balancing life as a parent and as a patient: navigating dual roles as a parent with cancer, impact of cancer on parenting, and impact on family life. Parents' primary focus was on their children's well-being, and they struggled to manage their own expectations of parenting and the demands on their role in the family. CONCLUSION The results highlight the complexity of being a parent with cancer while caring for dependent children. To support parents during the cancer journey, it is important to understand the consequences of their illness on their parental role and the family. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Supporting parents to feel secure in their parental role and providing support to them during their cancer journey should be integrated into routine cancer care, where parenting concerns and challenges are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Romare Strandh
- Author Affiliations: Department of Women's and Children's Health (Ms Romare Strandh, and Drs Hovén, Stålberg, Ljungman, and Wikman), Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan (WOMHER) (Ms Romare Strandh and Dr Wikman), and Centre for Gender Research (Dr Sörensdotter), Uppsala University; and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet (Dr Enebrink), Stockholm, Sweden
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Fu C, Glasdam S, Stjernswärd S, Xu H. A Qualitative Systematic Review About Children's Everyday Lives when a Parent Is Seriously Ill with the Prospect of Imminent Death - Perspectives of Children and Parents. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228221149767. [PMID: 36628967 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221149767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Parental dying is a life changing experience for children. This study explores children's strategies and (inter)actions in their everyday life when facing critically ill parents and imminent death, from the children's and parents' perspectives. A qualitative systematic review was carried out, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022306862). A literature search and screening in six databases resulted in eighteen articles. Thematic analysis showed that children were capable of developing various strategies to cope in everyday life, even in vulnerable situations. From parents' and children's perspectives, inclusion, openness, and communication about parents' situations, taking children's age and needs into consideration, were important to face and cope with the situation. Children were life-capable, also in vulnerable and difficult situations. This calls for the necessity of developing children-led support, by acknowledging, and taking the children's experiences, and resources, as starting points to tailor adequate support for children of critically ill parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Fu
- Integrative Health Research, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Stinne Glasdam
- Integrative Health Research, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sigrid Stjernswärd
- Health-promoting Complex Interventions, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hongxuan Xu
- Integrative Health Research, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Choi E, Becker H, Kim S. Unmet needs in adolescents and young adults with cancer: A mixed-method study using social media. J Pediatr Nurs 2022; 64:31-41. [PMID: 35149257 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to identify and compare the unmet needs of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer by age and gender. DESIGN AND METHODS This is a mixed-methods study to analyze textual data from blog posts on AYAs' unmet needs. Themes were identified using a qualitative descriptive method with content analysis, and a quantitative method was used to compare themes by age and gender. RESULTS The findings from blog posts of 100 AYAs showed that AYAs with cancer expressed somewhat different needs by age and gender. Young adults (26-39 years) with cancer tended to describe significantly more feelings of fear (p = .043) and parenting needs (p < .001) and significantly fewer educational needs (p < .001) than did emerging adults (18-25 years) with cancer. Female AYAs with cancer described significantly more feelings of guilt (p = .020), sexual needs (p = .003), fertility issues (p = .023), and social needs (p = .013) than did male AYAs with cancer. There were no statistically significant differences in the remaining themes between age and gender groups, although how they described unmet needs differed qualitatively. CONCLUSIONS AYAs with cancer have various unmet needs and their unmet needs were different by age and gender. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Nurses should proactively provide integrated systematic screening by offering a safe, non-judgmental environment to encourage AYAs to express their needs across their cancer journey. Nurses also should respond with developmentally appropriate support, resources, and referrals based on these expressed needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunju Choi
- Department of Nursing, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Heather Becker
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, 1710 Red River St, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Soojeong Kim
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at Austin, 1710 Red River St, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Hauskov Graungaard A, Hafting M, Davidsen AS, Lykke K. How is my child doing - parental understanding of their children when a parent has cancer. J Psychosoc Oncol 2021; 41:43-58. [PMID: 34961424 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2021.2013386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
To explore the difficulties parents face when understanding their children's reactions to parental cancer and parents' reactions to their children's perceived needs. Qualitative interviews with cancer patients and their partners. Eleven patients and seven partners took part. Their children were aged 1-15 years. Eight patients were mothers and cancer was diagnosed median 28 (7-104) months ago. Inductive analysis with systematic text condensation. Parents were groping in the dark when understanding their children's reactions. They observed signs of distress in their children, but often avoided communication about emotional reactions. We suggest parental difficulties in containing own and children's emotions as an important cause for this situation. Parents lacked relevant support offers for the family as a unit. Identification of children's difficulties cannot be based on parental evaluation alone. We suggest family support as part of standard care for patients with minor children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Hauskov Graungaard
- Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Annette Sofie Davidsen
- Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Lykke
- Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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