Post-traumatic growth in caregivers of children hospitalized in the PICU due to traffic accident: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Globally, tens of millions of children are hospitalized every year for non-fatal traffic accident injuries, being confronted with an injured child can be extremely stressful for parents. Understandably, a significant level of psychological distress may ensue. Traumatic losses may lead parents to find new insights in life and develop a greater sense of spirituality and strength. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of children who were hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with traffic accident injuries at children’s hospitals in China between January and June 2022. Caregivers were selected using a purposive sampling method until no new data were generated (n = 24). Results We identified eleven sub-themes and four higher-order themes based on these sub-themes: (1) changes in their life philosophy, (2) personal strength enhancement, (3) relationship improvements, and (4) effective responses. The findings of our research contribute to a better understanding of the psychological status of the caregivers of children injured by traffic accidents. Conclusion Professionals should guide caregivers from a positive perspective, stimulate their strengths and potential, increase personnel support and communication, promote positive coping, formulate targeted management countermeasures to improve the PTG level of caregivers, and develop strategies to maintain stable mental health and well-being.

Health and economic impact of caregiving on informal caregivers of people with chronic diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

“…Such situations often prompt ICGs to do selfreflection leading to the discovery of new and positive insights as well as renewed purpose for living under the current conditions. A number of recent studies have used this theory to demonstrate how caregivers' challenging experiences resulted in positive outcomes like renewed personal strength to continue in their caring role, strengthening of the relationship with care recipients/family members and taking better care of their own health because they better appreciate life (75)(76)(77).…”