The emotional response of families to children with leukemia at the lower socio‐economic level in central Mexico: A preliminary report

Abstract

Little research has been done in developing countries on the emotional impact experienced by families who have a child diagnosed with leukemia. This preliminary study looked at parents in Mexico who had to cope with their child's leukemia in the face of meager financial and social resources. The 51 children in the study were under 15 years and being treated for leukemia in hospitals affiliated with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) where their parents were interviewed using a questionnaire to ascertain their emotional responses to the illness. The data are analyzed and reported in five domains: perceived illness; psychological impact; coping strategies; family relationships; socio-economic impact. A strengthening of family bonds was found the most common response (82.4%). The second most common responses were concern for the expenses incurred by the illness and the time dedicated to caring for the sick child (both 78.4%). It is especially important to assess families with meager social and financial resources as to their emotional responses to life-threatening illness because these limitations impose greater burdens and make coping more difficult. Psychosocial interventions are key to ensuring adequate treatment of the child in these circumstances.

Hopelessness and Depression Levels of Parents of Children with Cancer

“…The higher levels of depression and hopelessness in this study may be due to it including only parents of children with a malignant disease. Sloper, (2000) reported that 51% of mothers and 40% of fathers of children with cancer experienced a high level of sadness, and Rocha-Garcia et al (2003) reported that 47.1% of families experienced grief and only 51% of them were hopeful. Elçigil and Conk, (2010) reported in their qualitative study that parents experienced a very high of stress upon hearing that their child had cancer and that mothers in particular were incapable of fulfilling their social activities, and their social relations decreased.…”

“…A previous study reported that low-income families of a child with a chronic disease experience more grief than families with a higher level of income (Al-Gamal and Long, 2010). Rocha-Garcia et al (2003) reported that 78.4% of families with a child with cancer face financial distress and that this prevents them using effective coping strategies. Thus, the disease places a greater burden on families.…”

Supporting Siblings of Children with Cancer: A Need for Family–School Partnerships

“…Parents of children with cancer report difficulty in attending to the needs of both their sick and healthy children (Enskar, Carlsson, Golsater, Hamrin, & Kreuger, 1997; McGrath, 2001; Rocha-Garcia et al, 2003; Sidhu, Passmore, & Baker, 2005). Based upon the findings of this study suggesting that school-based support is important and potentially protective for siblings of children with cancer, we propose that family–school partnerships may be particularly useful in supporting siblings of children with cancer.…”

Impacto psicossocial do câncer pediátrico para pais: revisão da literatura

“…Losing one's job or changes in one's professional routine is a common occurrence (Cohn, Goodenough, Foreman, & Suneson, 2003;Dockerty, Skegg, & Williams, 2003;James et al, 2002;Lähteenmäki et al, 2004;McGrath et al, 2005;Rocha-García et al, 2002).…”