مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Evaluation of Psycho-Social Status in Mothers of Children with Cancer

Abstract :

Objective: When cancer was diagnosed, both children and their families are affected unfavourably. Fear of losing their child and the possibility of death, causes serious anxiety especially in parents. In this study we aim to evaluate psychologic status of mothers whose children were diagnosed with cancer. Materials and Methods: In this trial, we included the mothers of 70 patients under monitoring at the pediatric hematology-oncology department of Karadeniz Technical University who were still receiving treatment or had completed treatment. The state-trait anxiety, desperation, anxiety, depression and burnout conditions were evaluated in the patient mothers using psychometric tests. Results: The burnout scale showed impairment in 39% of the mothers of children who had been diagnosed and were still receiving treatment, and in 50% of the mothers of children with relapse, who were still on treatment. Among the mothers of children, who had completed treatment and were under monitoring, 5% had impaired burnout scale. The Beck desperation scale was detected to show improvement as the number of children increased. While 10% of the mothers receiving support from the fathers had an impaired Beck desperation, this figure was 46% among the mothers with no support from the fathers. Conclusion: In conclusion, the support of the healthcare staff given to the mothers in addition to the father and the other family members would greatly avoid the development of psychological disorders. Giving support to the mothers, particularly in periods of diagnosis and intensive treatment, is very important