Real-world experience with family beliefs and organizational and communication management in Colombian parents of children with leukemia: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background/objectives: Coping with childhood cancer presents a major challenge for families. Some studies suggest that this experience strengthens families, leading to resilient processes, as observed by Froma Walsh. This study describes family resilience strategies for coping with childhood leukemia during the first year after diagnosis in the Colombian context, applying the model designed by Walsh. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study following a constructivist paradigm. The sample consisted of 10 Colombian parents with a child between eight and 12 years of age who were pediatric oncology patients diagnosed with leukemia. We used an intentional (non-probabilistic) sampling through a non-profit organization in the city of Bogota. In-depth interviews were conducted. The study was stopped when data saturation was reached. We then applied a thematic and conversational analysis. Results: Our data show that resilience processes coexist with negative narratives. Although a childhood cancer diagnosis is a negative experience for families, many parents manage to reinterpret the situation in a positive light and face the experience with optimism. In the Colombian context, religious beliefs help give meaning to this experience. We identified more difficulties related to the organizational processes, due to inconsistencies in the healthcare system in their management of this problem, in addition to a strong influence of cultural beliefs regarding parental roles. Conclusion: The results obtained provide a comprehensive overview of the factors that favor the construction of adversities within the family nucleus of a child with leukemia. These findings can be used to design intervention strategies to promote resilient experiences.