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The emotional response of families to children with leukemia at the lower socio‐economic level in central Mexico: A preliminary report
Author(s) -
RochaGarcía Arnoldo,
Álvarez Del Río Asunción,
HérnandezPeña Patricia,
MartínezGarcía María Del Carmen,
MarínPalomares T,
LazcanoPonce Eduardo
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.679
Subject(s) - psychosocial , coping (psychology) , psychological intervention , medicine , catastrophic illness , psychology , psychiatry , clinical psychology , oncology
Little research has been done in developing countries on the emotional impact experienced by families who have a child diagnosed with leukemia. This preliminary study looked at parents in Mexico who had to cope with their child's leukemia in the face of meager financial and social resources. The 51 children in the study were under 15 years and being treated for leukemia in hospitals affiliated with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) where their parents were interviewed using a questionnaire to ascertain their emotional responses to the illness. The data are analyzed and reported in five domains: perceived illness; psychological impact; coping strategies; family relationships; socio‐economic impact. A strengthening of family bonds was found the most common response (82.4%). The second most common responses were concern for the expenses incurred by the illness and the time dedicated to caring for the sick child (both 78.4%). It is especially important to assess families with meager social and financial resources as to their emotional responses to life‐threatening illness because these limitations impose greater burdens and make coping more difficult. Psychosocial interventions are key to ensuring adequate treatment of the child in these circumstances. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.