How a family is affected when a child is born with anorectal malformation. Interviews with three patients and their parents

J Pediatr Nurs. 2003 Dec;18(6):423-32. doi: 10.1016/s0882-5963(03)00029-0.

Abstract

Increased knowledge about families with a malformed child affects nursing practice. This study illuminates the experiences and psychosocial situation of 3 patients with imperforate anus and their parents. A qualitative method has been used to analyze the data. We found that the parents' experiences of suffering were overwhelming and that the 3 patients had been depressed during periods. The patients were not as open as their parents; we need to devise better tools to explore and understand children's experiences. The children and their parents need special care and an opportunity to express their anxieties.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent, Hospitalized / psychology*
  • Adult
  • Anus, Imperforate / psychology*
  • Anus, Imperforate / therapy
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Child
  • Child, Hospitalized / psychology*
  • Cost of Illness
  • Depressive Disorder / etiology
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Hospitals, Pediatric
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Psychology, Adolescent
  • Psychology, Child
  • Qualitative Research
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sweden