The associations between the clinical course of children with tracheostomy and their mothers' depression, burnout, burden, and self‐esteem

Abstract

Aims and Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of children with tracheostomy and the predictors of psychological status of their primary caregivers in order to determine the associations between the children's clinical course with their caregivers' psychological status. Background:The caregivers of children with tracheostomy are responsible for providing basic tracheostomy care at home. All these responsibilities may be associated with significant changes in family members' lifestyles, daily routines and family dynamics.Design: This study is a cross sectional study.Methods: Data of the family's socioeconomic status and clinical status of children with tracheostomy were noted in four paediatric pulmonology centers. The Beck Depression Inventory, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale were used for psychological measurements of the caregivers. The STROBE checklist was used for this study.Results: Eighty-five children and their primary caregivers were enrolled in the study. The children's median age was 4.1 years. Thirty-eight of them were dependent on home ventilators. Twenty-one had bacterial colonisation. All children's primary caregivers were their mothers. Beck Depression Inventory scores of mothers of children with colonisation were higher. Number of hospitalizations in previous 6 months was related to mothers' emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores. Duration of children's hospitalizations in previous 6 months was positively correlated to mothers' emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and Beck Depression Inventory scores.Conclusions: Mothers of children with tracheostomy may experience psychological conditions, such as high levels of depression, burnout, burden and low levels of selfesteem. Frequent and long-term hospitalizations of children correlated with mother's depression and burnout. Therefore, primary caregivers should be evaluated and supported psychologically.

Psychosocial factors affecting the quality of life of parents who have children with home mechanical ventilation

“…The person who cares for children with HMV at home is most often the mother. 28,29 While Meltzer et al 30 reported an increase in depression and fatigue as a result of the disruption of mothers' sleep patterns, Kuster et al 29 and Thyen et al 31 reported negative effects on mothers' health and work status. In a study comparing healthrelated QoL between mothers and fathers who have children with HMV, there was no statistical difference between parents.…”

“…All 85 caregivers included in the study were mothers, and 41.1% of them had moderate and severe depression risk. 28 We believe that clinicians managing children with HMV should also evaluate and guide the mental health of their parents and caregivers. Ensuring the parent's mental well-being can improve their child's care and help them face fewer medical problems.…”

Financial Toxicity for Caregivers of Pediatric Patients With Long-Term Tracheostomies

“…17,20 One study showed that mothers whose children with tracheostomies had frequent or long-term hospitalizations suffered from greater level of depression, emotional exhaustion, and low self-esteem. 21…”

Transitions in tracheostomy care: from childhood to adulthood

“…In paediatric populations, the burden of care is acknowledged and the need for resilience highlighted [24 ▪ ,25 ▪ ]. In the United Kingdom and indeed in other high-income countries, typically, CYP with a tracheostomy are supported by paediatric teams across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare settings, including but not limited to acute Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) teams, acute and community paediatricians, Allied Healthcare Professionals (AHP) in health and education, and children's community nursing teams.…”