Date of Award
11-15-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
First Supervisor/Advisor
Dr, Salma Rattani
Second Supervisor/Advisor
Dr. Asif Khowaja
Third Supervisor/Advisor
Dr. Sadaf Altaf
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
Abstract
Background: Childhood cancer has a profound effect on the emotional and psychological well-being of parents, yet often their own psychological health is overlooked as the primary focus while treating the child. These parents silently suffer from psychological distress while caring for their children. They use their own coping strategies to overcome the situation. However, limited studies have been carried out in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) regarding parents’ emotional and psychological perspectives of caring their children with oncological disorder.
Purpose: The objective of this study was to explore the psychological perspectives that parents of children with cancer diagnosis, treatment, social challenges, and caregiver role strain while caring for their children. In addition, this research focused on parents' coping strategies during this challenging period.
Method: This study was conducted using a descriptive exploratory design to address the research question. Using purposive sampling technique, a total of 12 parents were recruited from a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. The data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Later, the findings were manually analysed using Creswell’s criteria for content analysis.
Findings: The findings revealed four major themes: (i) Parental reactions and feelings, (ii) Coping strategies and support systems, (iii) Challenges, and (iv) Parental Perspective. The findings revealed that getting the information about the diagnosis of their child made the parents initially vii go in the shock and denial phase. However, many of them also showed hope and resilience in the face of difficult circumstances. Furthermore, the study also identified the coping mechanisms used by participants.
Conclusion: The study explored how parents feel when their child is diagnosed with cancer. It is essential to understand their feeling to provide them with the support they need in this difficult time. Good support systems and coping techniques thus play an important role for parents in the process of caring for their ill child who is sick.
Recommended Citation
Salyani, A. N. (2023). Parents’ emotional and psychological perspective of caring children with oncological disorders: A descriptive qualitative study (Unpublished master's dissertation). Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.