Taiwanese fathers’ experiences of caring for their children during childhood cancer treatment

Abstract

PurposeParents must manage their own stress and help their child with cancer during the treatment process, both physically and emotionally. With the increased involvement of fathers in caring for the family, how fathers adjust to the stress and play a role in care responsibilities was unknown. This study aimed to explore the fathers’ experiences of caring for their ill child during the diagnosis and treatment process. MethodThis study adopted a qualitative descriptive design and conducted in-depth interviews with 21 fathers with a diagnosed child recruited from a northern Taiwan medical center. Data were managed and analysed using content analysis. ResultsTwo main categories in the Taiwanese fathers’ experiences of caring for their ill child during the cancer diagnosis and treatment process emerged: 1) the maintainer of family stability, and 2) thoughts and value adjustment. Each main category consists of 3–4 generic categories. They make the necessary adjustments between work and family, actively participate in caring for the entire family, and redefine family values. They convey information about the illness to their children, pay attention to the physical and psychological development of the child with cancer, and cherish the time spent together as a family. ConclusionsDuring the cancer treatment process, fathers play the roles of the protector and maintainer of family stability and adjust their attitudes and thoughts toward the family members and family life. Healthcare professionals can offer the fathers comprehensive support and improve the family's overall well-being during this demanding period.