Stress levels and coping strategies among Jordanian parents caring for newly diagnosed children with leukemia: A cross sectional descriptive correlational study

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to describe the stress experienced and coping approaches exhibited by Jordanian parents of children recently diagnosed with leukemia. Method: This cross-sectional study collected data from parents of children who had been diagnosed with leukemia within the previous three months (N = 130; 57 fathers (43.8%) and 73 mothers (56.2%), age (Mean = 37.5, SD = 8.4)). The Parenting Stress Index–Short Form was used. Similarly, parents’ coping approaches were assessed with the Coping Health Inventory for Parents. Results: Parents’ mean total stress and coping strategies scores were 108 (± 26.8) and 93.9 (± 15.6), respectively. There were significant negative relationships between parents’ stress levels and age (r = −0.46, p = .01), education level (f = 28.5, p < .05), and income (r = −0.65, p = .01). Additionally, there were significant positive relationships between parents’ coping strategies and age (r = 0.34, p = .01) and income (r = 0.53, p < .01). There were non-significant differences between fathers’ and mothers’ stress levels and coping strategies. Conclusions: Parents of children with leukemia experienced high stress. The findings also confirmed the negative relationship between parents’ stress, age, education level, and income; and the positive relationship between parents’ coping strategies, age, and income. Application to Practice: Several strategies are needed to manage said stress; for example, respite care for parents who spend long hours at the hospital. Volunteers to care for children at home or hospital might also relieve parents’ stress.