Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Pollock, K. G.J. Articles by Cowden, J. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Pollock, K. G.J. Articles by Cowden, J. M. Miscellaneous Childhood Disorders Syndromes Secondary to General Medical Disorders

Emotional and Behavioral Changes in Parents of Children Affected by Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome Associated With Verocytotoxin-Producing Escherichia Coli: A Qualitative Analysis

Received February 26, 2007; revised June 25, 2007; accepted June 27, 2007. From Health Protection Scotland, Clifton House, Clifton Place, Glasgow, UK; and the Division of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK. Send correspondence and reprint requests to Kevin Pollock, Ph.D., M.P.H., Health Protection Scotland, Clifton House, Clifton Place, Glasgow, G3 7LN, Scotland. e-mail: Kevin.Pollock{at}hps.scot.nhs.uk
© 2009 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine

BACKGROUND: The long-term clinical outcome for childrenaffected by hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC–HUS) is well documented, but the parental experience is not. OBJECTIVE: The authors investigated the effects of the critical-care hospitalization for this condition on well-being of patients’ families. METHOD: A group of 30 parents completed a free-response format survey when their child presented to the hospital; 19 of this cohort completed a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Content analysis demonstrated that this cohort of parents experienced long-term emotional distress and substantive disruption to family and daily life. DISCUSSION: These results corroborate anecdotal clinical observations. The authors suggest future research initiatives and best practices to reduce parental distress.

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2009 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us