Abstract:

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to determine the emotional and behavioral problems among schoolage children of mothers with breast cancer (BC) and the difficulties they experienced during the mothers" illness. METHODS The participants included 40 children and adolescents of patients with BC and age- and sex-matched 40 healthy controls between the ages of 6 and 17 years. The study group filled out a sociodemographic data form that was prepared by the researchers and evaluated the demographic data and psychosocial effects of maternal cancer on children. The parents of all participants filled out the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Parent Form to determine the emotional and behavioral problems in children. RESULTS Conduct problems, attention deficit and hyperactivity, and total difficulty scores of the SDQ were significantly higher in children of mothers with BC (p<0.05). Scores for emotional problems, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behaviors were similar in both groups. Scores for emotional problems, peer problems, and total difficulties were significantly higher in girls of patients with BC than in boys. There was positive correlation between child"s age and total difficulty scores (p<0.05). There were several problems, such as changes in new family responsibilities and some life difficulties, in children and adolescents of patients with BC. CONCLUSION The results of the present study showed that the emotional and behavioral problems of children and adolescents of mothers with BC were higher than those of controls, and that maternal illness caused distress for children in many areas of their lives. Our results may increase the awareness of health care providers that some children may have difficulties in adjusting to their parents" illness.

Keywords: