Perceived Family Impact during Children's Hospitalization for Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Cross-sectional Study

Background Improved survival rates of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children are often associated with repeated and prolonged hospitalization, creating an immensely stressful situation for the family. Objective The aims of this study were to assess perceived family impact and coping during the child's hospitalization for ALL treatment and identify potential predictors of perceived family impact. Interventions/Methods A total of 212 families with children hospitalized participated. The hospitalization impact and coping scales were used to assess perceived family impact and coping, respectively. Results The mean (SD) total score for perceived family impact was 88.11 (22.39); social impact received the highest average score. The mean (SD) total score for family coping was 39.02 (9.84). A significant decrease in family coping was associated with more readmissions. Predictors of perceived family impact were severity of the child's illness, total days of all admissions, and coping, accounting for 37% of the observed variance. Conclusions Families were moderately affected by children's hospitalizations; social functioning was most affected. Families' perceived coping effectiveness decreased as the readmissions increased. The higher risk category a child's diagnosis is, the longer a child's hospitalization is, and the less perceived coping effectiveness, the higher family perceived impact. Implications for Practice The findings provide a direction for the development of family-centered supportive intervention programs. Nurses should be aware that the total days of admission and severity of a child's illness are significant factors associated with perceived family impact and likely justify special attention. Family coping enhancement interventions could alleviate perceived family impact.