Psychosocial challenges experienced by Caregivers with children undergoing chemotherapy at the pediatric unit of Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Background: The diagnosis of childhood cancer is a critical life event that impacts the psychological status of children and their parents. Due to this, caregivers of children with cancer experience considerable psychological burdens despite the high probability of cure and considerable advances of treatment protocols. There was need to evaluate psychosocial challenges experienced by caregivers of pediatric cancer patients as it is an area that remained grossly under-researched locally. Broad objective: To determine the psychosocial challenges faced by caregivers of children undergoing chemotherapy at Kenyatta National Hospital’s Pediatric Unit. Methodology: This was a hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in the Pediatric Unit oncology rooms (Dayroom) in all four pediatric wards (3A,3B,3C,3D) and in Pediatric oncology ward 1E of KNH. The study population was 128 caregivers of children aged below 12 years 11 months undergoing chemotherapy in KNH. The study sample comprised of 96 caregivers selected using stratified and simple random sampling methods. A validated researcher administered questionnaire was used to collect data. In data analysis, quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, version 23) and presented in percentages and frequencies while qualitative data was analyzed thematically using content analysis. The study results were presented in tables, graphs and charts and later disseminated in the form of the final research project report to University of Nairobi and through publication in a peer reviewed journal. Authority to conduct the study was sought from KNH/UoN Ethics and Research Committee and from Kenyatta National Hospital. Ethical principles of respondents’ consent, voluntary participation, confidentiality of information obtained and anonymity in processing study data were observed. Results: The psychological challenges faced by caregivers with children undergoing chemotherapy in KNH included feelings of anxiety and mental distress (100%); hopeless and helpless (88.6%); sadness, shock and disbelief (100%); sleeping and eating disorders (95.7%); being irritated easily (84.3%) and being overwhelmed (90%) in light of their children’s medical condition and therapy. The sociological challenges faced by caregivers with children undergoing chemotherapy in KNH included feelings of inadequate emotional and material support (91.4%); isolation and being neglected (88.6%); restricted social life (100%), financial difficulties (100%); fear of losing one’s work/job (87.1%); social stigmatization from community members (80%) and disruption of their daily routine (100%) in light of their children’s medical condition and therapy. Learning more about the disease and its treatment; seeking support from close family members and friends; joining forces with people with similar experiences and seeking divine intervention for their child’s healing were the caregivers’ main coping mechanisms. Conclusions: The study concluded that caregivers of children undergoing chemotherapy at KNH did experience a wide range of psychosocial challenges in light of their children’s medical condition and treatment therapy that their children were receiving. Recommendations: KNH’s administration should institute regular counselling services for the caregivers of pediatric cancer patients. In addition, KNH’s administration should develop social support systems for caregivers of pediatric cancer patients admitted in the hospital.