Grandparents of children with cancer: a controlled study of distress, support, and barriers to care

• DOI: 10.1002/pon.3513
• Publication Date: 2014-03-14T04:42:52Z
• Authors: Claire E. Wakefield; Donna Drew; Sarah J. Ellis; Emma L. Doolan; Jordana K. McLoone; Richard J. Cohn
• Keywords: Psycho-oncology; Stressor

Abstract Objective For families under stress, positive grandparental relationships provide a valued 'safety net'. However, coping with family stressors can place heavy burden on older individuals who may be experiencing declining health/energy themselves. This mixed-methods study assessed the prevalence of distress in grandparents children with, and without, cancer, aiming to identify predictors quantify their barriers care. Methods Two hundred twenty-one [87 cancer group; 134 controls; mean age 65.47 years (SD = 6.97); 33.5% male] completed self-report questionnaires assessing distress, anxiety, depression, anger, 'need for help', support use, psychosocial Results A higher proportion group reported clinically relevant (32.9% vs. 12.7%; p < 0.001), anxiety (48.8% 23.9%; depression (24.4% 6.0%; anger (23.5% 6.8%; 0.001). In group, was grandmothers fewer siblings. Grandparents rarely accessed evidence-based (<5% both groups), although were more likely seek religious/spiritual support. Barriers help seeking included lack knowledge rurality. qualitatively described undisclosed feelings uncertainty helplessness provided advice other facilitate coping. Conclusions clearly distressed than controls. Grandparents' capacity limited by own, untreated, distress. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.