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Reactions of Families To The Child With Cystic Fibrosis
Author(s) -
Kruger Susan,
Shawver Martha,
Jones Linda
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
image
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.009
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1547-5069
pISSN - 0363-2792
DOI - 10.1111/j.1547-5069.1980.tb01469.x
Subject(s) - solitude , medical care , nursing care , psychology , developmental psychology , cystic fibrosis , medicine , family medicine , nursing , psychiatry
The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate the nature of behavior patterns of families, especially siblings of children with cystic fibrosis. Special attention was given to changes in behaviors of the siblings following the diagnosis of CF. Orem's self‐care theory was used as the framework to describe the data and potential methods of assistance. Twenty‐five siblings from fourteen different families consented to be interviewed. The mean age was 9.78 years. The data revealed considerable changes in family activities which represented interruption in the universal self‐care requisite for solitude and social interaction. Family vacations involving travel were reduced because of anxieties relating to possible crises and adequacy of medical assistance while traveling. The findings revealed a serious lack of nursing involvement with these families. Most of the care was given by physicians and social workers who saw the families only in the clinic setting. The applications of five methods of assistance are described as suggestions for nursing involvement.