Understanding the Educational Support and Psychosocial Needs of Parents and Adolescents With Kawasaki's Disease and Coronary Artery Aneurysms

Abstract

Introduction: Kawasaki disease (KD) with coronary artery aneurysms (complex KD) presents relentless challenges for families. Psychosocial experiences and needs were explored.

Method: A descriptive, exploratory study of adolescents and parents using a needs survey and psychosocial instruments (anxiety, depression, and functional impairment).

Results: Fifty-one parents and 38 adolescents participated. Predominant interests were for information sheets, newsletters, Web sites, and phone applications. Gaps in disease-specific knowledge and awareness of coronary artery aneurysms between parents and adolescents were identified. Psychosocial concerns for adolescents included symptoms of anxiety (22%), depression (13%), and functional impairment (22%). Multivariable analyses indicated higher depression scores associated with longer travel distance from specialists (p = .04). Parent-reported social concerns for their adolescent were associated with higher anxiety (p = .005) and functional impairment (p = .005). Written commentary complemented the findings.

Discussion: Care protocols require psychosocial assessment/referral and the use of virtual platforms. The groundwork was laid for developing patient and family-centered strategies.

Keywords: Kawasaki disease; coronary artery aneurysms; psychosocial health; support needs.