The psychosocial status of siblings and mothers of children with cancer from the perspective of mothers

Abstract

Aims: In the low/middle income countries (LMIC), a few of health centers provide psychological support to siblings and mothers of children with cancer. The aim of study was to draw attention to psychosocial status of siblings and mothers of children with cancer in a LMIC. Methods: The study was a case-control study which was conducted at a tertiary center in Mersin, Turkey. The sample consisted of two groups as follows; siblings of children with cancer (n=39) were included as study group and children without cancer diagnosis in family (n=49) were included as control group. Behavioral problems of the children were evaluated with the Child Behavior Checklist 4-18. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS) were used for maternal depressive symptoms and maternal perceived social support. Results: In contrast to what was expected, there was no statistical difference in behavioral problems among two groups. Maternal BDI was higher and MSPSS was lower in the study group compared to the control group. Study group had more school difficulties such as absenteeism (p<0.001) and poor school performance (p=0.011). Grandmother caregiving, less maternal social support from her spouse, poor school performance, less knowledge about the cancer diagnosis, mother's depressive symptoms, longer hospital stay for cancer treatment, being female and being older were found to be risk factors for behavioral problems of study group. Conclusion: Mothers of children with cancer had more depressive symptoms and lower social support. Behavioral problems of siblings of children with cancer may be related to school adaptation, maternal mental health, maternal social support, and socio-demographic characteristics. The intervention of maternal mental health should provide to optimize well -being of mother and siblings. School absenteeism and poor school performance should be investigated for intervention programs for behavior problems of siblings of children with cancer.

Keywords

• Behavioral problems
• mothers of children with cancer
• siblings of children with cancer
• low/middle income countries

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