Exploring parent-sibling communication in families of children with sickle cell disease.
BACKGROUND
Communication within families of children with sickle cell disease is important yet has not been adequately investigated.


METHODS
Focus group interviews were conducted with parents of children with sickle cell disease to explore parent-sibling communication about sickle cell disease.


RESULTS
Communication was influenced by attributes and behaviors of the parent, the child with sickle cell disease, and the sibling; extended family, neighbors, friends, and church members or social networks; and available, accessible resources related to the child's health, child's school, and parent employment. Outcomes that influenced and were influenced by factors within and outside the parent-sibling dyad and nuclear family included parent satisfaction, parent roles, family intactness, and status attainment.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings support previous research with African-American families and expand our views of the importance of educating parents, family members, and others about sickle cell disease. The findings suggest a need to explore sibling perception of this communication, parent and sibling perception of the impact of frequent hospitalizations and clinic visits on the sibling and family, and variations within families of children with sickle cell disease.
Graff
J Carolyn
JC
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Nursing and Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. jgraff@uthsc.edu
Hankins
Jane S
JS
Hardy
Belinda T
BT
Hall
Heather R
HR
Roberts
Ruth J
RJ
Neely-Barnes
Susan L
SL
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D002666:Psychology, Child; D036301:Qualitative Research; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D013714:Tennessee
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