Level of Family centered care and associated factors among parents of children with cancer at tertiary level hospital, Ethiopia

J Pediatr Nurs. 2024 Feb 1:S0882-5963(24)00020-4. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.01.020. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: To determining level and factors affecting Family Centered Care (FCC) in pediatric oncology unit of Tikur Anbessa Specialized hospital (TASH), Ethiopia.

Method: A cross sectional study was conducted from June to December 2022. Three hundred ninety-three parents of children with cancer were consecutively interviewed using Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC-20). Multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent predictors of FCC.

Result: The total MPOC 20 means was 3.71(SD = 1.04). The mean score for respectful and supportive care, coordinated and comprehensive care, enabling and partnership, providing specific information and providing general information were found to be 4.8, 4.6, 3.7, 2.3 and 2.6, respectively. Family employment (-0.33(95% CI = -0.63, -0.03; P = .029)), low family education (-0.40 (95% CI = -0.70, -0.11; P = .008)), referral cases (-0.37(95% CI = -0.59, -0.14; P = .001)), shorter time spent in hospital (-0.49(95% CI = -0.85, -0.12; P = .010)) and psychological distress (-0.01(95% CI = -0.026, -0.001; P = .028)) were associated with lower mean score of FCC.

Conclusion: The total FCC mean score was found to be low. From the five FCC components providing general and specific information scored the lowest mean level.

Practice implications: Mechanism to improve information delivery that address parents from different background and referred from other health facility should be in place in order to improve FCC level. In addition, the FCC should be designed to address parents of children with different lengths of stay.

Keywords: Cancer; Child; Ethiopia; Family centered care; Parent.