PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH CANCER IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Background: Caring for a child with cancer is often a stressful affair, with parents frequently reporting elevated measures of distress. This distress can not only adversely impact their caregiving abilities and psychological welfare, but also affect the child’s well-being and adjustment to disease. However, little is also known about the prevalence of parental distress in the local context. Aims: The aims of the study were to (i) ascertain distress levels in parents of paediatric cancer patients; (ii) explore the proportion of these parents having distress; and (iii) identify contributing factors. Design & Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study design was employed. Between May 2017 and December 2019, convenience sampling was conducted to enlist a target sample size of 85 caregivers. During their child’s inpatient admission or outpatient appointment, participants completed a self-administered demographic survey and the Distress Thermometer for Parents (DT-P) tool. Descriptive statistics were consequently used to present DT-P scores, while Chi-square tests and logistic regression were performed to identify the factors contributing toward distress. Findings: The mean thermometer score was 5.07 (SD 2.78), out of a maximum of ten. Of a total of 81 participants, 55 (67.9%) were found to be distressed. The cognitive domain of caregiving problems on the DT-P predicted distress. Caregiving problems also differed amongst parents. Conclusion: Notable levels of distress and proportions of distressed parents were reported, highlighting the heavy burden of caregiving. This may also be attributed to the differences in caregiving challenges. Cognitive problems further emphasise the psychological caregiving toll and importance of supportive measures. Implications: In view of the parental distress levels, future efforts could consider psychosocial screening measures and the expansion of current supportive care programs. Longitudinal research and qualitative explorations of caregiver experiences may be further undertaken to better support their needs.