The experiences of families of children with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative exploration.
Palliat Support Care
; 22(2): 281-288, 2024 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37559193
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges to physical and psychological well-being. Families with pediatric cancer patients were particularly vulnerable due to changes like children staying at home, hospital policy shifts, and caring for an immunocompromised child. Limited research exists on COVID-19's effects on these families. This study aimed to assess the pandemic's impact and identify psychosocial support gaps.METHODS:
Participants (N = 256) were parents of children with cancer recruited via Facebook in partnership with Momcology®, a community-based organization for pediatric cancer, between February and May 2021. Qualitative analyses used open-ended responses about the pandemic's impact on the family.RESULTS:
Analysis revealed 6 themes, with positive and negative sentiments family changes (n = 169; 61% negative), social isolation (n = 154; 100% negative), emotional impact (n = 143; 89% negative), school changes (n = 126; 80% negative), health-care changes (n = 111; 96% negative), and physical health (n = 49; 73% negative). Family changes overarched all themes and included financial strains, at-home schooling, and family bonding. Parents highlighted social isolation and the emotional impact of pandemic-related changes. School changes forced parents to balance remote-work and childcare. Health-care changes limited resources and visitation. Parents reported their children were less active and slept less but had fewer illnesses. SIGNIFICANCE OFRESULTS:
Many common pandemic challenges were exacerbated by the stress of caring for a child with cancer. Parents struggled most with loss of social support and feelings of isolation. Careful consideration should be given to providing resources for parents of children with cancer and their families.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
COVID-19
/
Neoplasias
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Child
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Palliat Support Care
Asunto de la revista:
TERAPEUTICA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos