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. Asrnthe country has only one cancer treatment center for both adults and children, thernchallenges associated with that are immense. In line with that, this study, focused onrnidentifying the psychosocial impacts parents of children diagnosed with cancer havernand how they cope with those impacts. Qualitative approach particularly case studyrndesign was used in this study. The tools for primary data collection were in-depthrninterviews and focus group discussions in order to gain in-depth information.rnPurposive sampling technique was used to select participants leading to sixteenrnparents of children with cancer who are currently following either admitted or as anrnoutpatient to be involved in the study. In addition to that, three health carernprofessionals were involved as key informants. The findings of the study reveal thatrnparents 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 thernchallenges they encounter. Different informal and formal support systems also assistrnthem to cope. However, the findings also show that the support parents are receivingrnis more inclined towards social support neglecting the psychological problems theyrnhave. The findings of the study present social work implication in the areas ofrnpractice, education, research and policy