Examination of the relationship between stress coping levels and care burden of parents giving care to a child receiving chemotherapy

Examination Of The Relationship Between Stress Coping Levels And Care Burden Of Parents Giving Care To A Child Receiving Chemotherapy Student's Surname And Name: Ayten Kazan Adviser Of Thesis: Doç. Dr. Leyla Zengin Aydın Department: Hemşirelik Esasları Anabilim Dalı 1.2. Abstract Aim:This study was conducted to examine the relationship between stress coping levels and care burden of parents who care for a child receiving chemotherapy. Material and Method The study was conducted with caregivers of patients admitted to the pediatric hematology-oncology clinic and outpatient clinic of Diyarbakır Dicle University Hospital between September 2023 and April 2024. The study sample consisted of 141 caregivers admitted to the pediatric hematology-oncology clinic and outpatient clinic. The study data were collected using the "Personal Information Form", "Coping with Stress Scale (CSS)" and "Caregiving Burden Scale for Family Caregivers of Children with Cancer". Results: There was a statistically significant difference in terms of total scores of CSS according to age classes (F=5,253; p=0,002). A statistically significant difference was found in terms of the total scores of the CSS according to occupations (χ2=9,862; p=0,046). There was a negative, very weak/weak and statistically significant relationship between the total score of the CSS and the total score of the Caregiving burden scale for family caregivers of children with cancer (p<0.05). Conclusion: In the study, variables such as age and occupational status affect the level of coping with stress of parents caring for children receiving chemotherapy. A significant relationship was found between the total score of the CPS and the total score of the burden of care scale for family caregivers of children with cancer. It may be recommended to conduct further research on the stress coping levels and burden of care of parents caring for children receiving chemotherapy. Key Words: Chemotherapy, Child, Parents, Stress, Care burden