Unmet supportive care needs in families of children with chronic health conditions: an Australian cross-sectional study

• DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00730-w
• Publication Date: 2023-05-29T03:12:58Z
• Authors: Sangeetha Thomas; Linda K. Byrne; Nicholas P. Ryan; Christel Hendrieckx; Victoria White
• Keywords: Cross-sectional study; Child Health

The aim of this study was to identify similarities and differences in the unmet supportive care needs (USCN) families children with major chronic health conditions (CHCs) using a universal need assessment tool. A cross-sectional online survey involving parents congenital heart disease (CHD), type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), cancer, asthma diagnosed within last 5 years recruited via social media support organizations. Thirty-four items assessing USCN across six domains (care needs, physical informational financial child-related emotional needs) were responded on 4-point Likert scale [no (1) high (4)]. Descriptive statistics identified level need, linear regressions factors associated higher domain scores. Due small numbers, group excluded from comparisons CHCs. One hundred ninety-four completed (CHD: n = 97, T1D: 50, cancer: 39, asthma: 8). Parents cancer most likely report at least one (92%), followed by T1D (62%). five commonly reported CHCs drawn four domains: emotional, support, care, financial. Three included top for all conditions. greater frequency hospital visits absence parental support. Using tool, is first studies characterize common While proportions endorsing different varied conditions, endorsed similar illness groups. This suggests that programs or services could be shared Video Abstract.