Some psychosocial aspects of childhood cancer as seen at Kenyatta National Hospital
Abstract
The knowledge, attitude and practice of relatives of
50 children with cancer, the effects of the child's
disease on the affected family from the point of view
of parent's marital status, the parent-patient
relationship and behavioural disturbances in outpatients
are presented.
A total of 67 adults were interviewed including 30
mothers, 28 fathers, 4 uncles, 4 aunts and one
brother. Twenty eight (41.8%) of them had good knowledge
of the child's disease, 20 (29.85%) of them
despite explanation from a doctor did not understand
the disease well and 19 (28.35%) had no knowledge of
the child's disease and had also not benefited from a
doctor's explanation. Good knowledge of the disease
was related to better level of education and socioeconomic
status. Duration of treatment, however, had
no influence on knowledge of the disease by relatives.
Most relatives thought the disease was like any other
God's wish, however, a small number thought their
families were cursed or undergoing temptations
(trials). Relative's knowledge on disease, and
duration of treatment of affected children had no
bearing on their beliefs and thoughts but their level
of education had.
The majority of the parents had overprotective
attitude towards their sick children and most of the
affected children being followed up as -out-patients
had behavioural disturbances.
Citation
Masters of Medicine (Paediatrics and Child Health)Publisher
University of Nairobi School of Medicine