Childhood inflammatory bowel disease: parental concerns and expectations

• Published in: World journal of gastroenterology : WJG Vol. 11; no. 7; pp. 1028 - 1031
• Main Authors: Day, A-S, Whitten, K-E, Bohane, T-D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Department of Gastroenterology, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia 21-02-2005; School of Women's and Children's Health,University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia%Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; Baishideng Publishing Group Inc
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Brief Reports; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Holistic Health; Humans; Infant; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases - psychology; Male; Parents - psychology; Patient Education as Topic; Quality of Life; Social Support; Surveys and Questionnaires; Inflammatory bowel disease; Clinic; Children; Parents
• ISSN: 1007-9327; 2219-2840
• DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i7.1028

To document the concerns and expectations of parents of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) within the context of a multidisciplinary IBD clinic, and to highlight the importance of a holistic approach to the care of these children.
The parents of 60 children with IBD were surveyed by mailed questionnaire. Parents were asked to provide details of their concerns regarding their child's condition and to express their expectations of medical care. In addition, enquiry was made in respect to the respondents' learning about IBD.
Forty-six questionnaires (77%) returned. Fifty-two percent of the patients were male. Patients were aged a mean of 10.9 (+/-4.1) years and diagnosed at an average age of 2.1 (+/-1.8) years previously. The most common concerns expressed by the parents related to the side- effects of medications and the future prospects for their child. Overall, parents were satisfied with aspects of care within the IBD clinic but many suggested additional personnel such as counselors or educators should be available. Parents also reported the need for continuing education and easy access to up-to-date information.
Parents of children and adolescents with IBD have many common concerns regarding their child's condition. On-going attention to holistic care, including psychosocial and educational elements for patients and families, is appropriate in the context of the chronic and unpredictable nature of IBD.