Die psychosoziale Situation von Eltern krebskranker Kinder in der Nachsorge – Ergebnisse einer qualitativen Studie

Zusammenfassung

Ziel der Studie

Krebs im Kindes- und Jugendalter kann mit Spätfolgen sowie langfristigen Beeinträchtigungen verbunden sein. Auch nach Abschluss der Therapie können Herausforderungen im Alltag und Belastungen für die Familie bestehen. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es die Erfahrungen von Eltern ehemals krebskranker Kinder nach Abschluss der Therapie hinsichtlich der Rückkehr in den Alltag, psychosozialer Belastungen und Bewältigungsstrategien zu untersuchen.

Methodik

In einer qualitativen Interviewstudie wurden semistrukturierte Interviews mit Eltern von ehemals krebskranken Kindern bis 17 Jahre durchgeführt. Insgesamt wurden 30 Eltern (n=20 Mütter, n=10 Väter) telefonisch zu ihren Erfahrungen befragt. Die Daten wurden anschließend transkribiert und mit dem Programm MAXQDA nach dem Prinzip der qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Viele Eltern berichteten nach Abschluss der Therapie von Erschöpfung sowie Veränderungen und Beeinträchtigungen bei der Rückkehr in das Alltags- und Familienleben. Dabei benötigen die Verarbeitung der Erkrankung sowie die Neuorientierung Zeit. Sorgen bezüglich der Gesundheit des Kindes und die Angst vor einem Rezidiv können insbesondere während der Nachsorgeuntersuchungen belastend sein. Hilfreiche Aspekte im Umgang mit der Erkrankung sind eine offene Kommunikation und Aktivitäten zum Ausgleich.

Diskussion

Obwohl sich der Alltag mit zunehmender Zeit normalisiert, bestehen weiterhin Einschränkungen und Belastungen für die gesamte Familie. Aus den Ergebnissen lassen sich somit Ansatzpunkte für die Versorgung von Familien mit krebskranken Kindern in der Nachsorge ableiten.

Schlussfolgerung

Neben der medizinischen Nachsorge sollten Familien mit krebskranken Kindern bei Bedarf psychosoziale Unterstützung erhalten, um sie bei der Bewältigung des Alltags und von Belastungen zu begleiten.

Abstract

Objective

Pediatric cancer can lead to late effects and long-term impairments. Even after the end of acute treatment, challenges in daily life and psychosocial distress may persist for all family members. The aim of the current study was to investigate the experiences of parents of childhood cancer survivors after the end of acute treatment regarding returning to daily life, psychosocial stressors and coping strategies.

Methods

In a qualitative study, we conducted semistructured interviews with parents of childhood cancer survivors up to 17 years of age. In total 30 parents (n=20 mothers and n=10 fathers) were interviewed regarding their experiences. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with the program MAXQDA. For the analysis qualitative content analysis was used.

Results

Many parents reported changes and impairments returning to daily life after the end of acute pediatric cancer treatment. Worries regarding the health of their child and fears of relapse can be distressing especially during follow-up care examinations. Some parents also reported a support needs due to psychological distress. Facilitating aspects for coping with the disease are an open communication and leisure activities.

Discussion

Although daily life becomes normal with passing time, there can still be impairments and stressors for the whole family. Several recommendations for follow-up healthcare of families with childhood cancer survivors can be inferred.

Conclusion

Next to medical follow-up care, families of childhood cancer survivors should receive psychosocial support after the end of acute treatment to help them settle in their daily life and cope with stressors.

Schlüsselwörter

Krebs - Onkologie - Spätfolgen - psychische Belastung - Kinder

Keywords

cancer - oncology - late effects - mental distress - children

Publication History

Received: 01 November 2024

Accepted: 25 February 2025

Article published online:
01 April 2025

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