The Impact of Structural and Meso-Level Factors on Caregiver Coping Abilities When Supporting a Child with Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Vivian Christensen (), Melissa Varnum, Kellee Parker, Lai Hin Kimi Chan, Lauren Saxton and Erika Cottrell
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Vivian Christensen: Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
Melissa Varnum: Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
Kellee Parker: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Utah, 81 N Mario Capecchi Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
Lai Hin Kimi Chan: Department of Family Medicine, University of California Davis, 4860 Y Street Suite 1600, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
Lauren Saxton: Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
Erika Cottrell: Oregon Clinical and Translational Research Institute (OCTRI), Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 7, 1-16

Abstract: Family caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer often experience periods of significant stress. We provide an in-depth examination of the impacts of structural (health care and leave policies) and meso-level (organizations and communities/social networks) factors on caregiver coping during childhood cancer treatment. We conducted a secondary analysis of a comprehensive qualitative dataset examining the impacts of structural and meso-level factors on caregiver coping from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 49 caregivers representing 38 unique cases of childhood cancer. Using a modified grounded theory approach, transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Caregivers experienced multiple and often intersecting structural and meso-level factors, both facilitating and impeding their ability to cope during their child’s cancer treatment. Our analysis revealed the following themes: having few out-of-pocket medical expenses, access to paid time off from employment, and support from one’s health system, organizations, or community/social networks fostered caregiver coping. Significant financial burdens due to cancer treatment, having to take unpaid leave from employment, remaining employed regardless of one’s circumstances, and lack of support from one’s health system, organizations, or community/social networks hindered caregiver coping. Our findings point to several policies that may ease caregiver burden and facilitate caregiver coping during childhood cancer treatment.

Keywords: childhood cancer; caregivers; coping; qualitative research (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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