Communication between parents diagnosed with cancer and their children: study with data triangulation.
Rev Esc Enferm USP 2024;
57:e20230079. [PMID:
38373186 PMCID:
PMC10876183 DOI:
10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2023-0079en]
[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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the perceptions and feelings of parents diagnosed with cancer in relation to communication with their children between 3 and 12 years old.
METHOD
A cross-sectional, multicenter, with data triangulation, through structured and semi-structured interviews, with a question with a Semantic Differential Scale, carried out with the father or mother with cancer undergoing outpatient treatment in two hospital institutions in the city of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, content analysis, using the ATLAS.ti 8.0R software and the Social Representation Theory.
RESULTS
Forty-three respondents participated, 37 (86.0%) were female, 23 (53.5%) aged between 31 and 50 years old, 29 (67.5%) with only children between 7 and 12 years old. The experience was considered painful (73.1%), stressful (53.6%), clear (53.7%) and safe (51.2%). The feelings experienced generated two categories: Trial by fire; and Grateful rewards. Children's reactions from parents' perspective generated the categories: Sadness and suffering; Trust and support; Change of behavior; and Denial or insensitivity.
CONCLUSION
Communication was assessed as negative and conflicting, positive and welcoming, and causing changes in children's behaviors.
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