Influence Of A Child’s Chronic Illness On Family Dynamics As Perceived By Family Members/Caregivers In Teaching Hospitals In Enugu Metropolis

Abstract

Chronic illness is the term used to describe diseases which have non-reversible pathological

condition that cannot be corrected by medical intervention. Examples include sickle cell

disease, cancer, Aids, bronchial asthma among others. Many children are affected by chronic

illness and cared for in the homes. The diagnosis of chronic illness in a child evokes a lot of

influences on the dynamics of both immediate and extended families. This study investigated

the influence of a child’s chronic illness on family dynamics as perceived by family

members/caregivers in Enugu metropolis. Descriptive survey design of qualitative and

quantitative was used. Four objectives of the study were to: determine the influence of a

child’s chronic illness on family cohesion; determine the influence of a child’s chronic illness

on family flexibility; determine the influence of a child’s chronic illness on the

communication pattern in the family and identify the construct of the family dynamics

mostly affected by a child’s chronic illness. A population of four hundred (400) adult family

members/caregivers who met the inclusion criteria was purposively selected. A 5 point Likert

scale questionnaire with a reliability of 0.73 after the face and content validation was used for

data collection as well as an in depth interview guide. Descriptive statistics of frequencies,

mean and standard deviation including descriptive phenomenological transcription were used

for data analysis. Findings revealed that a child’s chronic illness resulted in good family

cohesion evidenced by love, concern, support, sensitive, closeness to one another that many

were unhappy, moody, sorrowful, and even cried during times of their sick one’s crisis. On

family flexibility, finding revealed decision making by parents with inputs from family

members, adjustment in performance of roles, joint problem solving with mother and older

female siblings doing more work. The family communication was cordial and

accommodating but a significant number reported reduced verbal communication

characterized by irritability and disjointedness when asked questions. Family flexibility is the

most affected dynamic construct. In conclusion, the participants perceived a lot of influence

by the child’s chronic illness. In recommendation, there is need for knowledge update on

child’s chronic illness for families, caregivers, health workers as well as encouraging

community based support networks for the chronically ill families to ensure good care for

this vulnerable group.