International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience
Open Access

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: The impact on the parents of caring for a child with cancer was intense and wide-ranging. A high level of distress and low level or resilience remains during treatment. Even completion of treatment can be a time of increased anxiety and stress for parents particularly with worries about recurrence or relapse. The purpose of this study to examine the associations between parental satisfactions with healthcare provided for their child and the impact of being a caregiver for a child with cancer. Methodology: A descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional design was employed using data from Arabic versions of self-report questionnaires which were administered to 113 parents with children with cancer in Jordan during 2015. Findings: The results indicated that family relationship functioning was ranked as the highest (better functioning) domain while daily activities was ranked as the lowest (poorer functioning) domain. Parents were generally satisfied with the healthcare provided, but their emotional needs were not met adequately. Parents with better social functioning were more satisfied in all areas of healthcare satisfaction other than emotional needs and communication. Parents who had a child with more emotional and behavioral problems were more likely to experience negative impact on the family and a poor level of family functioning. Conclusion & Significance: Nurses and other health care providers should emphasis on family centered approach rather than child centered approach.

Biography

Email: gamale@ksau-hs.edu.sa