The experience of the family of children with chronic illness at home in China.
The increasing prevalence of the nuclear family in China challenges the cultural ideal and tradition of the extended family caring for children with chronic illness at home. This study examined and documented the caregiving experiences in a sample of this population of children and their families. A descriptive survey with both quantitative and qualitative questions was developed and used to interview a total of 75 families in three urban areas of China. Factors such as the severity of illness, physical symptoms, the amount of assistance the child needed for daily living, and the emotional and social impact on the child were identified. Descriptions of the family's living circumstances, caregiving situations, and the child's experiences are illustrated through the use of three case studies.
Martinson
I M
IM
Department of Health Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Armstrong
V
V
Qiao
J
J
Davis
A
A
Yi-Hua
L
L
Gan
M
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000451:nursing*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006701:Home Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012720:Severity of Illness Index