Title of the Study: Lived Experiences of Parents with Children Diagnosed with Cancer in Trinidad: Challenges and Coping
Strategies
Proponent(s) and Affiliation: Dr Philip Onuoha, UWI School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical; Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY CONCEPTUAL/THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK
1. To explore the experiences of Conceptual
parents manage with their children 1. Our dependent variables were
diagnosed with Cancer in Trinidad the challenges of parents with
children diagnosed with Cancer
2. To identify the challenges faced and coping mechanisms used by
by the parents whose children are parents or guardian caring for
diagnosed with Cancer in Trinidad children with Cancer. Using a
holistic approach, we used our
3. To describe coping mechanisms independent variables to get a true
used by the parents whose understanding of what their lives
children are diagnosed with are like. Our Independent
Cancer, in Trinidad variables lead us into three themes
which are; Reliance on Spirituality
to Cope, Psychosocial Challenges
and the presence of Social
Support Systems.
Theoretical
1. Biopsychosocial Spiritual Model
(George L. Engel, 1977)
ANGELI G. FERNANDEZ 11 - FLORENCIO
METHODOLOGY KEY FINDINGS
PARTICIPANTS DATA GATHERING DATA ANALYSIS
PROCEDURE
1. Parents of children 1. Face-to-face interviews that 1. Respondents were identified by 1. The lived experiences of parents who care
from age three to lasted between 40-60 minutes numbers only when audiotaped for their children diagnosed with Cancer, feel
fifteen living with like a never-ending struggle
Cancer 2. Same 3 questions for every 2. The data collected on the audio
participants recorder were replayed a few times 2. Most mothers usually assume the role of
2. Four (4) key to get a clear understanding of the primary caregiver and become emotionally
informants 3. Informants’ interviews were responses before it was transcribed involved while the fathers act as providers
done first in the privacy and and tend to distance themselves emotionally
3. (4) four females and comfort of their homes at different 3. Each transcripts were identified from the situation
two (2) males locations in Trinidad name, Arima, with codes and then placed under
Sangre Grande, San Fernando and the identified themes (conceptual 3. Children often adapt better to a hospital if
St. Joseph framework) their parents stay with them for as long as
possible
4. Focus Group Interview
conducted at The Wendy 4. Parents acknowledges that powerful
Fitzwilliam Paediatric Hospital source of life, who is mighty above all and
Oncology Clinic location holds onto that precious gift of appreciating
and respecting that creator, the giver of life,
5. The questions were qualitative who provides them with sustenance, and love
5. Some mothers verbalized that they could
rely on their husbands and other family
members to aid in coping with the
situation and for help when needed, even if
it was to look after other children