Differences in parenting needs of fathers of children with chronic conditions related to family income.

Children with chronic conditions now survive longer than has been true historically, creating a need to promote optimal growth and development for themselves, their family members and the family as a whole. This article reporting a midwestern United States study compares the concerns and coping strategies of fathers of chronically-ill children with household annual incomes less than $50,000 with fathers of chronically-ill children with household incomes of $50,000 or more. The sample of 48 fathers completed the Hymovich Family Perception Inventory anonymously. The results revealed differences in the parenting concerns of fathers related to family income. The low-income fathers expressed a desire for more knowledge about the children's condition and worries about family finances. Professional anticipatory guidance and dissemination of information holds promise for providing the support needed by fathers of children with chronic conditions, particularly those with lower household incomes.