Harmony in hardship: Unveiling parental coping strategies with the challenges of child's hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

PurposePediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) profoundly affects various dimensions of parents' lives. Effective coping strategies are essential for improving psychological well-being and overall quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to explore parental coping strategies with their child's HSCT challenges. Design and methodsThis qualitative study was conducted in Iran from February to November 2023, utilizing conventional content analysis with purposive sampling. For data collection, unstructured interviews were conducted, followed by in-depth semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. Saturation was reached after analyzing qualitative data from 20 participants. ResultsData analysis unveiled a main theme labeled “harmony in hardship”. This overarching concept encapsulates the participants' endeavors to cope with the various hurdles and complexities stemming from their child's HSCT. This theme consisted of five categories: “emotional release”, “positive coping”, “avoidance coping”, “spiritual coping”, and “seeking support”. ConclusionParents utilized multifaceted coping strategies to manage the complexities of their child's HSCT journey. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial as they can positively influence parents' psychological well-being and improve their overall quality of life. Implications for clinical practiceHealthcare professionals should recognize the diverse coping strategies employed by parents of children undergoing HSCT and provide tailored interventions and support. Furthermore, implementing structured support programs and training initiatives for healthcare professionals can enhance their capacity to meet the diverse needs of parents during this challenging journey.