Correlation of Social Support with Care Burden and Post-Traumatic Growth in Mothers of Children with Leukemia.

INTRODUCTION

Mothers of children with leukemia are affected by negative and positive consequences of the disease. Given the crucial role that mothers play in child care, this study investigated the correlation between social support, care burden, and post-traumatic growth in mothers of children with leukemia.

METHODS

This descriptive-correlational study included 122 mothers of children under 14 years with leukemia. The study took place at the Tabriz Mardani Azari Children's Hospital. The data were collected via questionnaires including Northouse Social Support Questionnaire, Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). The data were analyzed by SPSS software. Pearson correlation test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t test were used to analyze of data.

RESULTS

There was a negative correlation between the total score of social support especially support from spouse and friends with mothers' care burden. The total score of social support had a positive correlation with mothers' post-traumatic growth. Additionally, support from spouses, friends, physicians, and nurses positively correlated with post-traumatic growth scores.

CONCLUSION

Identifying the support resources of mothers and reinforcing them can improve the mothers' well-being and increase the quality of child care by reducing the burden of care and improving post-traumatic growth.