Caregiver Distress and Burden among Parents of Children with Cancer; A Qualitative Study of the Sociocultural Context in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Cancer is a life-threatening disease worldwide and it is still considered having minimal chances of recovery in low income countries. During the recent decades the cancer increasing rapidly among children in Pakistan and have multidimensional impacts on patients and their families. This study explored the socio-economic impacts of cancer on the parents of the children diagnosed with cancer. The study was qualitative in nature and in-depth interviews were done from parents and guardians. The sample selection criteria comprised of parents of the children who were under treatment in Children Hospital Lahore Punjab, Pakistan. The data was interpreted through thematic analysis and results of the study showed that parents economic, social and psychological problems and their social life was greatly affected due to parenting of achild with cancer. The findings indicated that the parents suffered from work place disturbance, Psychological shock, depression social isolation, family relations breaks, sleeping disorder, financial crises and inaccessibility of leisure moments owing to their commitment with their child regarding illness of children.The study suggested that there should be a comprehensive counseling session for parents regarding their problemsin social and economic aspect, and the government should include

views of parents in her policy regarding cancer among children prevention and treatment.