Developmental disabilities: effects on well siblings.

Background: Forty studies performed between 1970 and 1995 indicated that 60% of parents with children with developmental disabilities reported manifestations of increased risk or negative effects on the well siblings.

Method: A secondary data analysis was performed using qualitative data gathered during the baseline of a randomized controlled clinical trial of an intervention for siblings/families of children with long-term conditions, including developmental disabilities. Content analysis was used to identify themes from responses of 151 parents to an open-ended question on their perceptions of the effects on well siblings of living at home with a brother/sister with developmental disabilities.

Pediatric chronic illness (cancer, cystic fibrosis) effects on well siblings: parents' voices.

This study is a secondary analysis of data gathered during baseline data collection prior to a cognitive-psychosocial-respite intervention provided in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Content analysis was used to identify themes in parents' responses to an open-ended item about their perceptions of the effects on siblings of having a brother or sister who has either cancer or cystic fibrosis (CF). Of 91 themes tallied in the cancer group (n = 29), 74.

Communication themes in families of children with chronic conditions.

This qualitative study identified communication themes among well siblings, parents, and others within families of children with chronic conditions. Semi-structured interviews of 30 parent-well sibling dyads were content analyzed from a larger study of families of children with chronic conditions. Four themes emerged: communication as a reflection of family roles and relationships, giving voice, staying connected, and struggling for normalcy.

Cancer treatment, symptom monitoring, and self-care in adults: pilot study.

A descriptive study was conducted on self-reported symptoms and self-care by 37 adults receiving chemotherapy primarily for leukemia, lymphomas, or breast cancer or radiation therapy for head and neck or lung cancers. The Therapy-Related Symptom Checklist and demographic and interview forms on self-care for identified symptoms were used. Severe symptoms on the Therapy-Related Symptom Checklist subscales fatigue, eating, nausea, pain, numbness in fingers/toes, hair loss, and constipation were reported by patients on chemotherapy.

A community-based intervention for siblings and parents of children with chronic illness or disability: the ISEE study.

Objective: Siblings of children with chronic illness or disability have been reported to have a 1.6 to 2.0 risk for behavioral and mental health problems.

Interrelationships among variables affecting well siblings and mothers in families of children with a chronic illness or disability.

A structural equation model (SEM) examined interrelationships among psychosocial variables known to affect the health and development of well siblings and parents when a child with a chronic illness or disability is a member of the family. Using dyads of 252 well children and parents, socioeconomic status (SES) and family cohesion were associated with the parent-reported behavior of the well sibling. SES also influenced the mood of the mother that in turn influenced family cohesion.