A Comparison of Caregiving Burden and Social Support Levels of Parents of Children Undergoing Liver Transplant

Abstract

PurposeThis study was conducted to compare caregiving burden and social support levels of parents of children who have undergone a liver transplant. Designs and methodsThis 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. ResultsParent 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). ConclusionsThis 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 implicationsHealth professionals need to pay special attention to the social support and caregiving burden of parents whose children have had an organ transplant.