Parent Traumatic Stress After Minor Pediatric Burn Injury

Abstract

Parents are at increased risk for psychological sequelae following their child’s burn injury which has demonstrated negative impacts on the child. The current study sought to address gaps in the literature on risk factors for parental distress by examining the relationships among demographic variables, burn characteristics, and child functioning after burn injury, with parent post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Participants included parents of 660 pediatric burn patients from a regional burn clinic. Parents completed measures during their initial visit to the burn clinic. Additional demographic and burn data were retrospectively collected by medical chart review. Fifteen percent of parents reported at-risk levels of parent PTSS. Parent PTSS was independently associated with child burn characteristics of total body surface area (TBSA) affected by the burn, required hospitalization, number of nights hospitalized, and number of ambulatory burn appointments attended. Minority race was associated with higher parent PTSS than non-minority race status, with Asian parents endorsing the highest scores. Furthermore, when considered simultaneously, impaired child quality of life (QOL), a higher number of ambulatory burn appointments attended, and racial minority status, were associated with higher parent PTSS. These findings highlight the need for routine parent trauma screening in pediatric burn clinics, while additionally identifying a feasible screening measure.

Challenges Faced by Parents of Pediatric Burn Survivors: A Thematic Analysis

“…One study in the Netherlands found that parents of pediatric burn survivors are prone to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can adversely affect the psychological health of the child (19-20). Moreover, a pilot study highlighted the substantial financial impact of pediatric burns on families, particularly when the injuries involve flames or a larger TBSA (21)(22). Despite the significant challenges faced by parents of pediatric burn patients, the literature reveals a lack of focused research on their experiences, particularly in Pakistan.…”

Codesigning informative resources for families of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who sustained a burn injury: a protocol for a participatory action research study

“… 4 Parents, carers and extended family of children who sustain a burn injury experience significant stress from witnessing a potentially life-changing injury, guilt in relation to responsibility for the injury and trauma through participating in their child’s painful medical procedures and worrying about the impact of the burn on the child’s future. 5–8 Parents of children with burn injuries experience higher psychological distress than parents of children with other types of injuries and medical conditions. 9 Parents of children hospitalised for burns injuries experience anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for up to 7 years after the injury.…”