Emriye Hilal Yayan1, Mehmet Emin Düken2. 1. Department of Child Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Inönü University, Turkey. Electronic address: emriye.yayan@inonu.edu.tr. 2. Department of Child Health Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Harran University, Turkey. Electronic address: eminduken@harran.edu.tr.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare caregiving burden and social support levels of parents of children who have undergone a liver transplant. DESIGNS AND METHODS: This study utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional research design. Data were collected using a parent information form, the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were collected via face-to-face interview after written consent was obtained from the parents of children who had received a liver transplant. RESULTS: Parent participants were found to have a high caregiving burden and low levels of social support from their surroundings. Parents who experienced change in their work life, social and family relationships, and had economic problems post-transplant, had a higher caregiving burden and may have lower social support. Parents whose children had a transplant from a cadaveric donor and continued to attend school were found to have a lower caregiving burden. There was a negative correlation between parent caregiving burden and social support scores; that is, caregiving burden (R2 = 0.57, p < 0.01) was significantly affected by social support (B = -0.682, β = -0.757). CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that parents receiving social support may have a lower caregiving burden, and some of their socio-demographic characteristics may have a positive effect on social support and caregiving burden. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Health professionals need to pay special attention to the social support and caregiving burden of parents whose children have had an organ transplant.
PURPOSE: This study was conducted to compare caregiving burden and social support levels of parents of children who have undergone a liver transplant. DESIGNS AND METHODS: This study utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional research design. Data were collected using a parent information form, the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were collected via face-to-face interview after written consent was obtained from the parents of children who had received a liver transplant. RESULTS: Parent participants were found to have a high caregiving burden and low levels of social support from their surroundings. Parents who experienced change in their work life, social and family relationships, and had economic problems post-transplant, had a higher caregiving burden and may have lower social support. Parents whose children had a transplant from a cadaveric donor and continued to attend school were found to have a lower caregiving burden. There was a negative correlation between parent caregiving burden and social support scores; that is, caregiving burden (R2 = 0.57, p < 0.01) was significantly affected by social support (B = -0.682, β = -0.757). CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that parents receiving social support may have a lower caregiving burden, and some of their socio-demographic characteristics may have a positive effect on social support and caregiving burden. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Health professionals need to pay special attention to the social support and caregiving burden of parents whose children have had an organ transplant.