Impact of Sociological, Psychological and Financial Stress upon Families of Children with Cancer

The diagnosis of pediatric cancer is a traumatic event and a major source of psychological stress for parents. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the impact of sociodemographic, psychological & financial factors among parents of children diagnosed with cancer. Methods: This study was a quantitative, randomized, cross-sectional study (30) participants were randomly selected from the population of parents whose children have cancer and treated in the department of medical oncology at the child's Hospital in Basrah governorate. The study began on September 2023. Participants were given a questionnaire form to complete at the hospital. Results: showed that mothers, brothers, or relatives were the most likely person to accompany the sick child, while fathers were less likely due to their work and living concerns. 90% of families had to adapt psychologically to the presence of the disease in their child, and this did not affect relations with society or between members of the same family. Financial factor was probably extremely harmful causing stress in families, especially those with low incomes, followed by long periods of hospitalization and the confining of treatments to painkiller. This led to the loss of most sick children to chances of completing their studies. Conclusions: Families of children with childhood cancer face substantial challenges. The present study explored the financial of the family and the impact of childhood cancer on these families. In addition, the domains of both tools were significantly associated with some demographic characteristics of the child and his parents. Recommendation: Based on these findings, increased psychosocial and emotional resources for patients and their families have to be facilitated and improved. Further research studies in this topic to investigate barriers and facilitators for family care.