Psychosocial Impact Of Childhood Cancer On Parents With Children Diagnosed With Cancer The Case Of Parents Receiving Service At Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital
Cancer, one of the non-communicable diseases is gaining momentum in Ethiopia. As rnthe country has only one cancer treatment center for both adults and children, the rnchallenges associated with that are immense. In line with that, this study, focused on rnidentifying the psychosocial impacts parents of children diagnosed with cancer have rnand how they cope with those impacts. Qualitative approach particularly case study rndesign was used in this study. The tools for primary data collection were in-depth rninterviews and focus group discussions in order to gain in-depth information. rnPurposive sampling technique was used to select participants leading to sixteen rnparents of children with cancer who are currently following either admitted or as an rnoutpatient to be involved in the study. In addition to that, three health care rnprofessionals were involved as key informants. The findings of the study reveal that rnparents with children diagnosed with cancer had encountered different psychological, rnsocial and physical impacts that are interdependent on one another. In addition to that, rnparents use different problem and emotional focused coping strategies to mitigate the rnchallenges they encounter. Different informal and formal support systems also assist rnthem to cope. However, the findings also show that the support parents are receiving rnis more inclined towards social support neglecting the psychological problems they rnhave. The findings of the study present social work implication in the areas of rnpractice, education, research and policy.