The cortisol response in parents staying with a sick child at hospital

• DOI: 10.1002/nop2.245
• Publication Date: 2019-02-14T05:19:09Z
• Authors: Charlotte Angelhoff; Ulla Edéll‐Gustaf...; Evalotte Mörelius
• Keywords: Cortisol awakening response; Affect; Sick child

Abstract Aim To study the cortisol response in parents staying with their child paediatric wards, to compare parents’ levels between ward and at home 4 weeks after discharge data of an adult reference population, reported by Wust et al., as there are few studies investigating parental cortisol. Design This has a descriptive prospective comparative design. Method Thirty‐one participated. Saliva samples were collected later home. Results The had lower morning awakening than discharge. There no statistically significant differences postawakening or (CAR). child's age, diagnosis previously diagnosed chronic condition did not affect levels. those population. Conclusion hospital stay sick affects Parental stress needs more attention find interventions prevent risk stress‐related complications that subsequently can care child.