Copi̇ng ski̇lls of parents of pedi̇atri̇c oncology pati̇ents and the relati̇onshi̇p between the level of depressi̇on and anxi̇ety of pedi̇atri̇c oncology pati̇ents' si̇bli̇ngs

In this study, we both aim to evaluate the coping ability of the parents of the children with cancer and also to find out the relation between parents' coping ability and the level of anxiety and depression of the siblings. This study was held at both pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department of Medical Faculties Bezmialem Vakif university and İstanbul university. At the begining 34 families anad 51 siblings of patient were enrolled the study. After families who were not appropriate for inclusion criteria were excluded, the study was with 30 families anad 40 siblings. After obtaining demographic features of the patients via interview with the parents, Cope Scale, Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Scale were applied to the mothers and the fathers. Depression Scale and State-Traıt anxiety scales that designed for children were applied to the childrens (How do I feel 1 and 2 scales). Parents of 20 randomized children were trained how to cope with cancer stress. Parents were asked to fill the follow-up forms to show their practice in terms of the coping methods they learned for 10 days. Follow-up forms were collected at the 11th day. Aforementioned scales were re-applied to both control and training groups and also to the children. Related screening method was used in our study. Statistical analyses were calculated after pre and post training follow up scores obtained from both groups and children. There was no statistical difference between pre and post training levels of anxiety and coping with stress among families. The level of depression was found to be statistically different between pre and post training status in training group; 15,48± 10,39 and 10,97±7,90 respectively, (t29=-3,479; ,001). In children, no statistical difference was established between pre and post training scores in terms of State Anxiety Scale, Traıt Anxiety Scale and Depression Scales, respectively (t19=-1,112; 0,280, t19=-2,080; 0,051 and t19=-0,367; 0,718). In training children group, pre and post training scores in terms of Depression Scale was statistically significant (12,30±4,71 vs 8,15±5,31; t19=2,669; 0,015). In our study, we consider that training parents and siblings might contribute to diminish their depression scores in coping with stress. Hence, training the parents and children in terms of psychologic support can be beneficial in pediatric oncology divisions. Key Words: Pediatric Oncology, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Parents, Sibling