Aim

Assessment of anxiety, depression, irritability, and stress levels in parents of children after bone marrow transplantation, taking into account potential predictors, including coping strategies and perceived social support

Material and methods

The study was conducted in a group of 67 parents of patients at the Transplantation Center of the University Children’s Hospital in Krakow. The study employed a diagnostic survey method using standardized research tools: the Berlin Social Support Scale (BSSS), the Modified Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale – HADS-M, the Perceived Stress Scale – PSS-10, and the Coping with Stress Inventory – Mini COPE.

Results

Parents of children after bone marrow transplants, especially mothers, people living in cities, and those affected by a sense of social exclusion, showed high levels of stress. The dominant emotion among the respondents was anxiety. The longer the time Since transplantation, the lower the level of anxiety and depression in parents could be observed. Higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were found in parents of children who had undergone autologous transplantations. Higher levels of negative emotions were associated with choosing unconstructive coping strategies. The higher the level of stress, anxiety, and depression, the lower the overall level of perceived social support. Parents with higher levels of anxiety showed a greater need for support.

Conclusions

Parents of children who have undergone bone marrow transplantation are exposed to high levels of stress and negative emotions. Early diagnosis of disorders and assessment of parents’ stress, negative emotions, strategies of coping and perceived support, might help to counteract long-term consequences of trauma.