Factors related to the psychological well-being of parents of children with leukemia in China

J Psychosoc Oncol. 2006;24(3):75-88. doi: 10.1300/J077v24n03_04.

Abstract

This study investigates factors correlated with the psychological well-being of parents of children with leukemia in China. A survey with self-administered questionnaires was employed and a total of 31 caregivers were recruited from two children's hospitals in Shanghai. The study investigates factors from three different aspects in the context of childhood cancer: children's illness-related and demographic variables, demographic variables of the parents, and the parents' coping approaches. The findings show that parents are at risk of poor psychological well-being related to perceived unsatisfactory financial status, and a lack of self-oriented coping approaches. The implications for social service provision are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological / physiology*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • China / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Leukemia / epidemiology
  • Leukemia / psychology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires