Abstract 1445P
Background
Cancer is usually visualized in the body and how it is affected; however, family dynamics and its relationship with adherence to treatment and its impact on mental health are not very visible, due to the disease itself, the multiple aggressive treatments to combat it, and the context in which the subject is immersed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the family dynamics of pediatric oncology patients in an III-level clinic in the city of Cali, Colombia.
Methods
Simultaneous mixed study with 80 patients between 2 and 18 years of age with oncological diagnosis and their families. Discourse content analysis was performed on the clinical records; following the SRQR protocol for qualitative studies.
Results
Five categories were found around which the family dynamics were organized: reactions to pediatric cancer diagnosis, family alterations in the face of pediatric cancer, emotional impact on the caregiver's life, spirituality as a coping strategy in childhood cancer, and coping with death: building a new meaning of life. A different emerging subcategory from the literature related to the detriment of the oncologic process and mental health was social/cultural violence.
Conclusions
The oncological treatment goes beyond the disease or physiological affectations; the recording of family dynamics allows the incorporation of family changes about the diagnosis and the evolution of the treatment, which contribute to the physical and mental recovery of the patient.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.