Impact of haemophilia on child-rearing practices and parental co-operation.

Abstract

SUMMARYThe parents of eight 3–5‐yr‐old haemophilic boys and of eight 3–5‐yr‐old non‐haemophilic boys were interviewed on their child‐rearing practices and on various aspects of their Family life. The parents of eight 8–13‐yr‐old haemophilic boys were also interviewed on these issues and the parents of all 16 haemophilic boys were interviewed on a number of questions related to their sons' disease. Significant differences with respect to child‐rearing and parental co‐operation were found between haemophilic and non‐haemophilic families generally and within families with different degrees of the severity of haemophilia in particular. The mothers of the haemophilic boys were more anxious with respect to their sons' absence and schooling. More advice and counselling on genetic and non‐medical factors related to haemophilia is required for parents at an early stage of child development.