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Kruszecka-Krówka A, Cepuch G, Micek A. Stress Coping Strategies in Parents of Newborns and Infants with Congenital Cyanotic Heart Disease with Regard to Stress Levels and Negative Emotions. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:508. [PMID: 38790503 PMCID: PMC11120106 DOI: 10.3390/children11050508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children suffering from congenital heart disease experience high levels of stress and negative emotions. Therefore, recognition of parents' emotional states and their ways of coping with it is becoming more and more important. METHODS The study group consisted of 154 parents of newborns and infants with cyanotic congenital heart disease, before and after cardiac surgery (partial or full). To assess parental negative emotions, the level of stress, and strategies of coping with it, standardized questionnaires, such as HADS-M, PSS-10, and COPE, were used. RESULTS Stress levels in parents were high and associated with negative emotions (anxiety, depression, irritability), as well as the choice of non-constructive coping strategies, which was observed especially in younger parents. CONCLUSIONS Assessing parents' stress levels and ways of coping with stress can improve family functioning and provide better development conditions for the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kruszecka-Krówka
- Nursing and Midwifery Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 25 Kopernik Street, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Grażyna Cepuch
- Nursing and Midwifery Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 25 Kopernik Street, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Micek
- Statistical Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 25 Kopernik Street, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
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2
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Cole L, Ridings L, Phillips SM. Stress and Coping Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Congenital Heart Disease: An Integrative Review. Pediatr Cardiol 2024; 45:457-470. [PMID: 37466733 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03227-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Parents of children with congenital heart disease experience unique stressors that affect their psychological well-being and health-related quality of life. A parent's ability to cope effectively influences how they adjust to stressful situations. The purpose of this review is to synthesize the factors influencing HRQoL in parents of children with congenital heart disease under the lens of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping framework to identify areas for intervention and future research. An integrative literature review was conducted by keyword search of online databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Medline from 2011 to 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to search results and studies were assessed for quality using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. The initial search yielded 1026 unique papers, and 24 were included based on the predefined criteria. The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping was applied to organize results and generate themes. Results showed a child's hospitalization is a time of uncertainty and distress for parents of children with congenital heart disease. Effective problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies can lead to reduced stress and improved health-related quality of life for parents. Additionally, multiple variables moderate the relationship between a parent's perceived stress and adjustment. Health care teams should focus on targeted education, faith, coping, and social support interventions. Further research is needed that examines the effect of mental health factors, cultural differences, and socioeconomic variables on the health-related quality of life of parents of children with congenital heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Cole
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
| | - Leigh Ridings
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | - Shannon M Phillips
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
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Wray J, Ridout D, Jones A, Davis P, Wellman P, Rodrigues W, Hudson E, Tsang V, Pagel C, Brown KL. The Impact of Morbidities Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery on Family Functioning and Parent Quality of Life. Pediatr Cardiol 2024; 45:14-23. [PMID: 37914854 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03312-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
We previously selected and defined nine important post-operative morbidities linked to paediatric cardiac surgery, and prospectively measured their incidence following 3090 consecutive operations. Our aim was to study the impact of these morbidities on family functioning and parental quality of life over 6 months in a subset of cases. As part of a prospective case matched study in five of the ten children's cardiac centers in the UK, we compared outcomes for parents of children who had a 'single morbidity', 'multiple morbidities', 'extracorporeal life support (ECLS)' or 'no morbidity'. Outcomes were evaluated using the PedsQL Family impact module (FIM) at 6 weeks and 6 months post-surgery. Outcomes were modelled using mixed effects regression, with adjustment for case mix and clustering within centers. We recruited 340 patients with morbidity (60% of eligible patients) and 326 with no morbidity over 21 months. In comparison to the reference group of 'no morbidity', after adjustment for case mix, at 6 weeks parent health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and total FIM sores were lower (worse) only for ECLS (p < 0.005), although a higher proportion of parents in both the ECLS and multi-morbidity groups had low/very low scores (p < .05). At 6 months, parent outcomes had improved for all groups but parent HRQoL and total score for ECLS remained lower than the 'no morbidity' group (p < .05) and a higher proportion of families had low or very low scores in the ECLS (70%) group (p < .01). Post-operative morbidities impact parent HRQoL and aspects of family functioning early after surgery, with this impact lessening by 6 months. Families of children who experience post-operative morbidities should be offered timely psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Wray
- Heart and Lung Division and NIHR GOSH BRC, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.
| | - Deborah Ridout
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme and NIHR GOSH BRC, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alison Jones
- Department of Intensive Care and Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Peter Davis
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and Department of Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, Bristol Royal Children's Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Wellman
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery, Evelina Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Warren Rodrigues
- Heart and Lung Division and NIHR GOSH BRC, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Emma Hudson
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Victor Tsang
- Heart and Lung Division and NIHR GOSH BRC, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Christina Pagel
- Clinical Operational Research Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Katherine L Brown
- Heart and Lung Division and NIHR GOSH BRC, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
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4
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Koo FEC, Chan MCE, King SK, Trajanovska M. The early years: hirschsprung disease and health-related quality of life. Qual Life Res 2023; 32:3327-3337. [PMID: 37474849 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03482-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic diseases are notorious in the way that they interfere with many aspects of a child's development, and this holds true for children with Hirschsprung disease (HD). The present research aims to (1) determine whether the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of HD children differs from healthy paediatric populations; and (2) explore the relationship between HD children's HRQoL and psychosocial outcomes of parents. METHODS Using a cross-sectional survey study design, children's HRQoL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), while parental psychosocial outcomes were measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and depression short-forms, Family Management Measure (FaMM), and Parent Experience of Child Illness. Surveys were administered over telephone to parents of 48 Australian children treated for HD (87.5% male, median age 4.5 years) during the period May to November 2021. RESULTS While postoperative HRQoL of HD children was comparable to that of healthy age-matched controls, psychosocial quality of life of HD children was significantly poorer (mean difference = 3.40, CI [0.05, 6.76]). All parental outcome measures were significantly correlated with the PedsQL (r = - 0.77-0.67, p < 0.05) in expected directions, with FaMM subscales (except parent mutuality) demonstrating the most variation (R2 = 0.41-0.59). Of note, 31.3% of parents reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety on the PROMIS. CONCLUSION Despite overall positive results for children, parents reported elevated symptoms of anxiety. This study highlights the importance of long-term follow-up care for HD patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fern Ee Caryn Koo
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Man Ching Esther Chan
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sebastian K King
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Misel Trajanovska
- Clinical Sciences, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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5
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Silberberg A, Castro Méndez J, Torres SF, Fraire R, Siaba Serrate A, Kreutzer C, López Daneri M, Iolster T. Experiences of parents of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome during their treatment: a qualitative study. Cardiol Young 2023; 33:2553-2558. [PMID: 37009758 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951123000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the opinion and personal experience of parents of children born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and what advice they would give to other parents who have to decide between treatment options. METHODS We conducted a qualitative, descriptive and retrospective study by means of a survey directed to parents of children born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in a tertiary hospital in Buenos Aires (Argentina). Their answers and data regarding medical procedures were analysed. RESULTS Parents of thirteen out of sixteen patients with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome were surveyed. Norwood surgery had been performed in all the patients, many had received other procedures, and five had died. In relation to the decision-making process, sixty-one percent of parents would recommend other parents to remain at peace after having done everything possible and 54% would suggest to not feel guilt despite the final result. None of the parents would recommend rejecting surgical treatment and choosing comfort care. CONCLUSION The majority of parents of children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome would recommend continuing with the therapeutic effort in order to feel at peace and reduce feelings of guilt.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Silvio F Torres
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rafael Fraire
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Iolster
- Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Bainton J, Trachtenberg F, McCrindle BW, Wang K, Boruta R, Brosig CL, Egerson D, Sood E, Calderon J, Doman T, Golub K, Graham A, Haas K, Hamstra M, Lindauer B, Sylvester D, Woodard F, Young-Borkowski L, Mussatto KA. Prevalence and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder in parents whose infants have single ventricle heart disease. Cardiol Young 2023; 33:2171-2180. [PMID: 36601959 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951122004012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs in parents of infants with CHD, contributing to psychological distress with detrimental effects on family functioning and well-being. We sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in parents whose infants underwent staged palliation for single ventricle heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS A large longitudinal multi-centre cohort study evaluated 215 mothers and fathers for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder at three timepoints, including post-Norwood, post-Stage II, and a final study timepoint when the child reached approximately 16 months of age, using the self-report questionnaire Impact of Event Scale - Revised. RESULTS The prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder post-Norwood surgery was 50% of mothers and 39% of fathers, decreasing to 27% of mothers and 24% of fathers by final follow-up. Intrusive symptoms such as flashbacks and nightmares and hyperarousal symptoms such as poor concentration, irritability, and sudden physical symptoms of racing heart and difficulty breathing were particularly elevated in parents. Higher levels of anxiety, reduced coping, and decreased satisfaction with parenting were significantly associated with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in parents. Demographic and clinical variables such as parent education, pre-natal diagnosis, medical complications, and length of hospital stay(s) were not significantly associated with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. DISCUSSION Parents whose infants underwent staged palliation for single ventricle heart disease often reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms persisted over time and routine screening might help identify parents at-risk and prompt referral to appropriate supports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Bainton
- Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Brian W McCrindle
- Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ke Wang
- HealthCore, Watertown, MA, USA
| | | | - Cheryl L Brosig
- Herma Heart Institute, Children's Wisconsin, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Erica Sood
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | - Tammy Doman
- University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Katrina Golub
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Karen Haas
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Hamstra
- Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lisa Young-Borkowski
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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7
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Ehrler M, Wettach C, Beck I, Valsangiacomo Buechel ER, Latal B, Landolt MA. Mental health-related quality of life in mothers of children with surgically repaired congenital heart disease: a 13-year longitudinal study. Qual Life Res 2023; 32:2975-2986. [PMID: 37248407 PMCID: PMC10474212 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03440-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Having a child with congenital heart disease (CHD) can affect parental health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). We investigated the long-term trajectories of mental HRQoL (m-HRQoL) in mothers of children with CHD and examined risk factors for persistent low m-HRQoL. METHODS One hundred twenty-five mothers of children with CHD completed a standardized questionnaire on m-HRQoL (mental subscale SF-12) after the children's first open-heart surgery and subsequently when the children were 1, 4, 6, 10, and 13 years old. A z-score for m-HRQoL was calculated with national norms. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) was used to identify subgroups of mothers with regards to their m-HRQoL trajectories over time. Regression analysis investigated predictors for chronically low m-HRQoL. RESULTS Compared to norms, mothers of children with CHD had significantly lower m-HRQoL immediately after open-heart surgery (β = -0.30 (CI-95: -0.44, -0.15)). Subsequently, m-HRQoL increased to a normal level (m-HRQoL compared to the norm from 1 to 13 years: β ranges between 0.05 and 0.27). LCGA revealed two distinct groups of m-HRQoL trajectories: A group with normal m-HRQoL (75% of mothers, means z-scores range between - 0.76 and 0.62) and a group with chronically low m-HRQoL (25% of mothers, mean z-scores range between -1.32 and -0.10). Chronically, low m-HRQoL was associated with poorer social support (OR = 3.39 (CI-95: 1.40, 8.49), p = 0.008) but not with parental education, migration background, number of open-heart surgeries, diagnosis of a univentricular CHD, or low IQ. CONCLUSION A quarter of mothers of children with CHD have chronically low m-HRQoL throughout their child's development, especially those mothers with poor social support. Further studies of family-oriented approaches are needed to identify and support these mothers and reinforce parental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Ehrler
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- URPP Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Corina Wettach
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ingrid Beck
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Emanuela R Valsangiacomo Buechel
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Cardiology, Pediatric Heart Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Latal
- Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus A Landolt
- Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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8
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Schwartz BN, Pearson GD, Burns KM. Multicenter Clinical Research in Congenital Heart Disease: Leveraging Research Networks to Investigate Important Unanswered Questions. Neoreviews 2023; 24:e504-e510. [PMID: 37525311 PMCID: PMC10615178 DOI: 10.1542/neo.24-8-e504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect in the United States. Neonates with CHD are often cared for by neonatologists in addition to cardiologists. However, there is a paucity of rigorous evidence and limited clinical trials regarding the management of neonates with CHD. In this review, we will describe some of the challenges of research in this field. The Pediatric Heart Network serves as an example of how a research network can effectively overcome barriers to conduct and execute well-designed multicenter studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryanna N Schwartz
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Gail D Pearson
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kristin M Burns
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
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9
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Ahlberg M, Persson C, Berterö C, Ågren S. Exploring family functioning and - hardiness in families' experiencing adult intensive care - A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288149. [PMID: 37410758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Being cared for in an intensive care unit affects both the patient being cared for and the family in various ways. The family is of great importance for the recovery of the former intensive-care patient. The aim is to explore family functioning and family hardiness in families of former intensive care patients. A cross-sectional study using two self-reported questionnaires. Former adult intensive care patients and their family were recruited to participate between December 2017 and June 2019. The data were coded and entered the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25, for analysis. To explore questionnaire data, descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Scale values were calculated on, both family wise and between the patients and the family members. STROBE checklist was used. Data was collected from 60 families (60 former intensive cared patients and 85 family members) and showed that 50 families scored healthy family functioning and 52 high strengths in hardiness. The data showed small variations between and within families for family functioning and family hardiness, there were only two families scoring low for both family functioning and hardiness. The variation was higher within the families, but there was no significance level.The conclusions were that family functioning and hardiness was, to a large extent, assessed as good by the families. Nevertheless, it is important to help the family obtain information and support. So, the family need to continue to communicate, finding coping abilities and strengths in adopting new strategies to protect the family unit. The family are very important for members' mental and physical recovery as the health of one family member affects the family as a unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Ahlberg
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Carina Persson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Carina Berterö
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Susanna Ågren
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Muñoz-Violant S, Violant-Holz V, Rodríguez MJ. Factors of well-being of youth with complex medical conditions from the experience of hospitalization and convalescence: A pilot study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285213. [PMID: 37141278 PMCID: PMC10159209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Well-being in children with a complex medical condition (CMC) impacts the way they view and communicate with their immediate environment as well as their development, and it is thus necessary to inquire about the contextual issues and different needs that a CMC carries. This pilot study aimed to identify factors of pediatric well-being from the experience of hospitalization and convalescence of youth with CMC and their caregivers, in a cross-sectional analysis using a selective methodology complemented by an indirect observational methodology. We analyzed the quality of life and well-being of youth with CMC using a validated KINDLR questionnaire. We collected 35 surveys: 11 from youth with CMC and 24 from caregivers from Spain. We focused the analysis on sociodemographics, well-being perceptions, and coping strategies variables. The results show that children aged between 3 and 6 years and their caregivers scored physical well-being the lowest out of all dimensions of well-being, and they scored family well-being the highest. Moreover, youth between the ages of 7 and 17 years and their caregivers scored school-related well-being the lowest. Coping strategies to deal with stressful situations differ between children and caregivers. While children mainly engage in social withdrawal, caregivers engage in cognitive restructuring and expressing emotions. However, we did not find a relationship between coping strategies and well-being perceptions. These results highlight the need to facilitate communication spaces with both families and health professionals where the voice of children is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Muñoz-Violant
- Hospital Pedagogy in Neonatology and Pediatrics-Research Group, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica Violant-Holz
- Hospital Pedagogy in Neonatology and Pediatrics-Research Group, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Didactics and Educational Organization, Faculty of Education, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- International Observatory in Hospital Pedagogy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel J Rodríguez
- Department Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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11
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The Relationship of Family Factors to Psychosocial Outcomes in Children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome at 6 Years of Age. J Pediatr 2022; 255:50-57.e2. [PMID: 36265572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to describe the relationships between family factors and outcomes for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study was ancillary to the Pediatric Heart Network Single Ventricle Reconstruction Extension Study to examine family factors including parental mental health, quality of life (QOL), family resources, function and management, and their relationships to child psychosocial outcomes (adaptive behavior, internalizing and externalizing behaviors and health-related quality of life [HRQOL]) at 6 years of age. RESULTS Participants were parents (115 mothers, 71 fathers) of children with HLHS. Parents reported anxiety, QOL and family resources that were worse than the general population; 33% reported family dysfunction. There were no meaningful differences between reports from mothers and fathers. Parental perception of better child health was associated with better family management of the condition (P < .05). Several family management factors explained a moderate amount of variance in adaptive behavior (ΔR2 = 0.08-0.14), adaptive skills (ΔR2 = 0.19-0.21), and HRQOL scores (ΔR2 = 0.04-0.18); little variance was explained in internalizing problems (ΔR2 = 0.02-0.03) (all P < .05) above and beyond demographic and clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS HLHS has a significant impact on both children and families. Relationships between child and family characteristics may impose risk or protection. Improved understanding of these associations should guide counseling and tailored interventions.
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12
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Lisanti AJ, Golfenshtein N, Marino BS, Huang L, Hanlon AL, Lozano AJ, Curley MAQ, Medoff-Cooper B. Quality of Life of Mothers of Infants Subjected to Neonatal Cardiac Surgery: The Importance of Psychosocial Factors. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg 2022; 13:324-331. [PMID: 35446209 PMCID: PMC9286064 DOI: 10.1177/21501351221088832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization acknowledges quality of life (QOL) as subjectively perceived overall well-being by the individual and recognizes it as an essential construct for overall health and wellness. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of infant, environmental, and parental factors with the QOL of mothers of infants at four months post-hospital discharge from cardiac surgery. Methods: Secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from the REACH randomized clinical trial of telehealth home monitoring. The sample included mothers (n = 148) of infants with congenital heart disease who provided data at four months post-discharge. Ten imputations were generated using fully conditional specification methods to address missing data and were combined. All analyses were performed on the imputed data. Mothers' QOL was the main outcome of the analysis, as measured by the Ulm Quality of Life Inventory for Parents. Predictors on QOL were identified based on the World Health Organization QOL framework which recognizes the multidimensional domains influencing QOL that include personal factors, environmental factors, and physical factors related to disease and functioning. Results: The treatment and control groups did not differ on any study variable, thus data were collapsed and analyzed together. Final multivariable model found that the combination of dyadic adjustment, social support, parenting stress, and post-traumatic stress symptoms explained approximately three-quarters of the variance in QOL scores. Conclusions: QOL for mothers of infants with congenital heart disease is largely influenced by psychosocial factors. Future research targeted toward improving maternal QOL should include psychosocial interventions that address social networks and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Jo Lisanti
- Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Family and Community Health, 16142School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nadya Golfenshtein
- Department of Family and Community Health, 16142School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,26748Haifa University, Haifa, Israel
| | - Bradley S Marino
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Liming Huang
- Department of Family and Community Health, 16142School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexandra L Hanlon
- Center for Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Department of Statistics, 1757Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alicia J Lozano
- Center for Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Department of Statistics, 1757Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Martha A Q Curley
- Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,22508Nursing and Clinical Care Services, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Barbara Medoff-Cooper
- Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Family and Community Health, 16142School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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Schuler R, Bedei I, Oehmke F, Zimmer KP, Ehrhardt H. New Challenges with Treatment Advances in Newborn Infants with Genetic Disorders and Severe Congenital Malformations. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020236. [PMID: 35204956 PMCID: PMC8870374 DOI: 10.3390/children9020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the prognosis of relevant syndromes and severe congenital malformations in infants during the last few decades have enabled the treatment and survival of an ever-increasing number of infants, whose prospects were previously judged futile by professional health care teams. This required detailed counselling for families, which frequently started before birth when a diagnosis was made using genetic testing or ultrasound. Predictions of the estimated prognosis, and frequently the more-or-less broad range of prospects, needed to include the chances of survival and data on acute and long-term morbidities. However, in the interest of a having an informed basis for parental decision-making with a professional interdisciplinary team, this process needs to acknowledge the rights of the parents for a comprehensive presentation of the expected quality of life of their child, the potential consequences for family life, and the couple’s own relationship. Besides expert advice, professional psychological and familial support is needed as a basis for a well-founded decision regarding the best treatment options for the child. It needs to be acknowledged by the professional team that the parental estimate of a “good outcome” or quality of life does not necessarily reflect the attitudes and recommendations of the professional team. Building a mutually trusting relationship is essential to avoid decision conflicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Schuler
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus Liebig University, Feulgenstrasse 12, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.-P.Z.); (H.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ivonne Bedei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Klinikstrasse 33, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (I.B.); (F.O.)
| | - Frank Oehmke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Klinikstrasse 33, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (I.B.); (F.O.)
| | - Klaus-Peter Zimmer
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus Liebig University, Feulgenstrasse 12, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.-P.Z.); (H.E.)
| | - Harald Ehrhardt
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus Liebig University, Feulgenstrasse 12, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.-P.Z.); (H.E.)
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14
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Smith S, Tallon M, Clark C, Jones L, Mörelius E. "You Never Exhale Fully Because You're Not Sure What's NEXT": Parents' Experiences of Stress Caring for Children With Chronic Conditions. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:902655. [PMID: 35832577 PMCID: PMC9271768 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.902655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with chronic conditions are experiencing improved survival worldwide, and it is well-known that their parents are stressed. Yet, despite this knowledge, parents continue to experience stress. Our study explored the lived experience of parental stress when caring for children with various chronic conditions to identify opportunities to potentially reduce stress for these parents. This was an exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. To ensure appropriate research priorities were addressed, the study was co-designed with consumer and stakeholder involvement. Twenty parents were interviewed. Parents were recruited through a recognized family support organization for children with various care needs in Western Australia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two superordinate themes were identified: (1) Gut instinct to tipping point included parents as unheard experts and their experiences of stress and becoming overwhelmed. (2) Losses and gains covered the parents' identity and relationship challenges and coping strategies with their children's unpredictable conditions. Parents' experiences of stress caring for children with chronic conditions can be applied to the Job-Demand Control-Support Model for occupational stress. Not only does this application provide a useful framework for practitioners but it adds a unique perspective that reflects the dual role of parents in caring for their children with chronic conditions as a parent but also a professional with a 24/7 workload. The parents' experiences highlight a need for improved support access, effective communication between parents and health care professionals, discharge preparation and information provision, and regular screening of parental stress with a referral pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Smith
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondaulup, WA, Australia.,Perth Children's Hospital, Nursing Research Department, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Mary Tallon
- School of Nursing, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Carrie Clark
- Kalparrin, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | | | - Evalotte Mörelius
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Joondaulup, WA, Australia.,Perth Children's Hospital, Nursing Research Department, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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