Children's psychosocial and behavioural consequences during their siblings' hospitalisation: A qualitative content analysis from caregivers' perspectives.

Abstract

This study aimed to comprehensively describe the psychosocial and behavioural consequences experienced by siblings of hospitalised children from the caregivers' perspective. After children are diagnosed with a major illness, their siblings may begin to exhibit psychological and behavioural problems, coupled with decreased quality of life. This study employed qualitative content analysis to describe the perspectives of 147 caregivers of siblings of hospitalised children, following the COREQ guidelines. From January to March 2015, data were collected from 33 medical institutions in Japan using a survey that utilised an open-ended question. Four themes comprising 13 comprehensive categories were extracted: (1) maintaining their usual self, (2) internalising difficulties, (3) externalising difficulties, and (4) personal growth. During data analysis, value judgments were avoided, with the focus instead placed on dividing the perspectives into positive and negative categories. The neutral data analysis enabled us to describe the psychosocial and behavioural adjustments that siblings make to 'maintain their usual self'. This study's results can be used to educate healthcare providers, teachers and families about the psychosocial and behavioural effects of hospitalisation on siblings of hospitalised children to ensure that siblings struggling with psychosocial conflicts receive the necessary support.