1
|
Justin P, Dorard G, Leu A, Untas A. Young carers supporting a relative with cancer: What is the healthcare professionals' knowledge in France? An exploratory study. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2024; 70:102567. [PMID: 38531294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many children and adolescents support relatives with cancer. However, literature about young carers (YCs) shows a lack of awareness among professionals, especially in oncology. This quantitative study aims to explore the level of knowledge and perceptions of healthcare professionals working with cancer patients about the situations and characteristics of YCs. METHODS 395 professionals participated in an online survey. Professionals reported sociodemographic and professional information and answered several questions evaluating their perceptions about YCs, such as the types of support provided and the consequences of being a YC. Descriptive analysis and group comparisons (Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests) by sex, occupation, and patients treated (adult and/or pediatric) are performed on the data collected. RESULTS Overall, per the literature on YCs, professionals provide an adequate description of what a YC can be, even though one in two professionals have never heard the term. Several differences are observed: Men mention fewer types of support that YCs can provide, while women report more negative consequences of being a YC; psychologists and social workers report fewer positive impacts for these young people than the other professionals; professionals who work with pediatric patients mention fewer negative consequences than those who work with adults. CONCLUSION Oncology healthcare professionals have sufficient awareness of YCs; however, several professionals struggle to fully understand the situation of YCs. These findings underline the need for awareness programs in oncology to improve health professionals' understanding of YCs and enhance their identification and support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Justin
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 9193 - SCALab - Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Géraldine Dorard
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Agnes Leu
- University of Basel, Medical Faculty, Institute for Biomedical Ethics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Untas
- Université Paris Cité, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saragosa M, Hahn-Goldberg S, Lunsky Y, Cameron JI, Caven I, Bookey-Bassett S, Newman K, Okrainec K. Young carers' perspectives on navigating the healthcare system and co-designing support for their caring roles: a mixed-methods qualitative study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075804. [PMID: 38072468 PMCID: PMC10729167 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite young carers (YCs) providing regular and significant care that exceeds what would normally be associated with an adult caregiver, we need to learn more about their experience interacting with the healthcare system. The primary study aims were to (1) describe YC experiences in interacting with the healthcare system and (2) identify types of support YC recognise as potentially helpful to their caring role. DESIGN AND SETTING A mixed-methods qualitative study was conducted between March 2022 and August 2022, comprising two phases of (1) semi-structured interviews and focus groups with YCs living in the community to confirm and expand earlier research findings, and (2) a co-design workshop informed by a generative research approach. We used findings from the interviews and focus groups to inform the brainstorming process for identifying potential solutions. RESULTS Eight YCs completed either a focus group or an interview, and four continued the study and participated in the co-design activity with 12 participants. Phase 1 resulted in three overarching themes: (1) navigating the YC role within the healthcare system; (2) being kept out of the loop; and (3) normalising the transition into caregiving. Phase 2 identified two categories: (1) YC-focused supports and (2) raising awareness and building capacity in the healthcare system. CONCLUSION Study findings revealed the critical role that YCs play when supporting their families during pivotal interactions in the healthcare system. Like their older caregiver counterparts, YCs struggle to navigate, coordinate and advocate for their family members while juggling their needs as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. This study provides important preliminary insights into YCs encountering professionals, which can be used to design and implement national support structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Saragosa
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Science of Care Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shoshana Hahn-Goldberg
- OpenLab, University Hospital Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yona Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Deptartment of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jill I Cameron
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabelle Caven
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan Bookey-Bassett
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristine Newman
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Okrainec
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- OpenLab, University Hospital Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Barbabella F, Magnusson L, Boccaletti L, Casu G, Hlebec V, Bolko I, Lewis F, Hoefman R, Brolin R, Santini S, Socci M, D’Amen B, de Jong Y, Bouwman T, de Jong N, Leu A, Phelps D, Guggiari E, Wirth A, Morgan V, Becker S, Hanson E. Recruitment of Adolescent Young Carers to a Psychosocial Support Intervention Study in Six European Countries: Lessons Learned from the ME-WE Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5074. [PMID: 36981983 PMCID: PMC10049644 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Young carers provide a substantial amount of care to family members and support to friends, yet their situation has not been actively addressed in research and policy in many European countries or indeed globally. Awareness of their situation by professionals and among children and young carers themselves remains low overall. Thus, young carers remain a largely hidden group within society. This study reports and analyses the recruitment process in a multi-centre intervention study offering psychosocial support to adolescent young carers (AYCs) aged 15-17 years. A cluster-randomised controlled trial was designed, with recruitment taking place in Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom exploiting various channels, including partnerships with schools, health and social services and carers organisations. In total, 478 AYCs were recruited and, after screening failures, withdrawals and initial dropouts, 217 were enrolled and started the intervention. Challenges encountered in reaching, recruiting and retaining AYCs included low levels of awareness among AYCs, a low willingness to participate in study activities, uncertainty about the prevalence of AYCs, a limited school capacity to support the recruitment; COVID-19 spreading in 2020-2021 and related restrictions. Based on this experience, recommendations are put forward for how to better engage AYCs in research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Barbabella
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), Strömgatan 13, 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Lennart Magnusson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), Strömgatan 13, 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Licia Boccaletti
- Anziani e Non Solo Società Cooperativa Sociale, Via Lenin 55, 41012 Carpi, Italy
| | - Giulia Casu
- Anziani e Non Solo Società Cooperativa Sociale, Via Lenin 55, 41012 Carpi, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Hlebec
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva pl. 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Bolko
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva pl. 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Feylyn Lewis
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Godchaux Hall 179, 461 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
- School of Education and Social Work, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RG, UK
| | - Renske Hoefman
- The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), Postbus 16164, 2500 BD The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Rosita Brolin
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), Strömgatan 13, 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Sara Santini
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Socci
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara D’Amen
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
| | - Yvonne de Jong
- Vilans—The National Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care in The Netherlands, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 GV Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara Bouwman
- Vilans—The National Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care in The Netherlands, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 GV Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nynke de Jong
- Vilans—The National Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care in The Netherlands, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 GV Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes Leu
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Phelps
- Department of Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health and Well-being, University of Winchester, Winchester SO22 4NR, UK
| | - Elena Guggiari
- Department of Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Wirth
- Department of Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Careum, Pestalozzistrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vicky Morgan
- Carers Trust, 32–36 Loman Street, London SE1 OEH, UK
| | - Saul Becker
- School of Education and Social Work, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RG, UK
- Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BX, UK
| | - Elizabeth Hanson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), Strömgatan 13, 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van der Werf HM, Paans W, Francke AL, Roodbol PF, Luttik MLA. Identifying and Supporting Students with a Chronically Ill Family Member: A Mixed-Methods Study on the Perceived Competences and Role Views of Lecturers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4978. [PMID: 36981887 PMCID: PMC10049440 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Young adult caregivers experience reduced wellbeing when the combination of family care and an educational program becomes too demanding. We aim to clarify the role views, competences, and needs of lecturers regarding the identification and support of these students to prevent negative mental health consequences. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used. We collected quantitative data using a survey of lecturers teaching in bachelor education programs in the Netherlands (n = 208) and then conducted in-depth interviews (n = 13). Descriptive statistics and deductive thematic analyses were performed. Most participants (70.2%) thought that supporting young adult caregivers was the responsibility of the educational institution, and 49% agreed that it was a responsibility of the lecturer, but only 66.8% indicated that they feel competent to do so. However, 45.2% indicated that they needed more training and expertise to identify and support these students. All interviewees felt responsible for their students' wellbeing but highlighted a lack of clarity regarding their role fulfillment. In practice, their ability to identify and support these students depended on their available time and level of expertise. The lecturers required agreements on responsibility and procedures for further referral, as well as information on support and referral opportunities, communication skills courses, and peer-to-peer coaching.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hinke M. van der Werf
- Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Petrus Driessenstraat 3, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wolter Paans
- Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Petrus Driessenstraat 3, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Critical Care, University Medical Centre Groningen, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke L. Francke
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, 3513 CR Utrecht, The Netherlands
- APH Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petrie F. Roodbol
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Louise A. Luttik
- Research Group Family Care, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9714 CA Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guggiari E, Fatton M, Becker S, Lewis F, Casu G, Hoefman R, Hanson E, Santini S, Boccaletti L, Nap HH, Hlebec V, Wirth A, Leu A. Visibility as a Key Dimension to Better Health-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health: Results of the European Union Funded "ME-WE" Online Survey Study on Adolescent Young Carers in Switzerland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3963. [PMID: 36900974 PMCID: PMC10001720 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines the health-related quality of life (HRQL) and mental health of adolescent young carers (AYCs) aged 15-17 in Switzerland, based on data collected within the Horizon 2020 project 'Psychosocial support for promoting mental health and well-being among AYCs in Europe' (ME-WE). It addresses the following questions: (1) Which characteristics of AYCs are associated with lower HRQL and with higher level of mental health problems? (2) Do AYCs who are less visible and less supported report a lower HRQL and more mental health issues than other AYCs? A total of 2343 young people in Switzerland, amongst them 240 AYCs, completed an online survey. The results show that female AYCs and AYCs with Swiss nationality more often reported having mental health issues than their male and non-Swiss counterparts. Furthermore, the findings show a significant association between receiving support for themselves and visibility from their school or employer and the HRQL. Moreover, AYCs who reported that their school or employer knew about the situation also reported fewer mental health issues. These findings can inform recommendations for policy and practice to develop measures aimed at raising the visibility of AYCs, which is the first step for planning AYC tailored support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Guggiari
- Careum School of Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Careum, Pestalozzistrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marianne Fatton
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Saul Becker
- Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BX, UK
| | - Feylyn Lewis
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Godchaux Hall 179, 461 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Giulia Casu
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Renske Hoefman
- The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), Postbus 16164, 2500 BD The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth Hanson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Sara Santini
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
| | - Licia Boccaletti
- Anziani e Non Solo Società Cooperativa Sociale, 41012 Carpi, Italy
| | - Henk Herman Nap
- Vilans-The National Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care in The Netherlands, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 GV Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Valentina Hlebec
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva pl. 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Agnes Leu
- Careum School of Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rexhaj S, Nguyen A, Favrod J, Coloni-Terrapon C, Buisson L, Drainville AL, Martinez D. Women involvement in the informal caregiving field: A perspective review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1113587. [PMID: 36741114 PMCID: PMC9889973 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1113587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The patient recovery process of individual with mental health disorder is reinforced if they are connected with their community and supported by relatives. The literature has shown that caregivers are important, although their roles can lead to alterations in their own health; and women are the most involved in this role. The present review investigated women's involvement in the informal caregiver scientific field. A literature review indicated gender differences; researchers who are women are more interested in this field than men. Even with a good representation of women in this scientific field, the results showed a statistically significant gender difference for the first and second authors, whereas there was no significant gender difference among the last authors. More efforts must be made to recognize the importance of women's involvement in research because they raise a specific important field. Family caregivers are key players in the healthcare system, but to date, there has been little recognition of their enormous contribution. Our results also indicated the informal caregiver role is filled more by women than by men, which creates social inequalities in many domains, especially in opportunities at the professional level. Tailored interventions are required to address the specific needs and issues of family caregivers. A better redistribution of unpaid work, such as informal caregiving, compared to paid work must be made to respect gender in social existence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shyhrete Rexhaj
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra Nguyen
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Favrod
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claire Coloni-Terrapon
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland.,School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Leslie Buisson
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Laure Drainville
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Debora Martinez
- La Source, School of Nursing Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Untas A, Vioulac C, Justin P, Leu A, Dorard G. Professionals' Awareness of Young Carers in Schools: Results from a French Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14172. [PMID: 36361049 PMCID: PMC9656982 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have investigated professionals' awareness of young carers (YCs). Therefore, the main aim of this study was to explore school professionals' awareness of YCs. The secondary aim was to compare professionals' responses according to their occupation. A total of 2658 professionals took part in this study by completing an online questionnaire. The results indicated that the mean for the perceived age for care beginning was 10.3 years old, with parents being perceived as the most frequent care recipient. The main caring activities reported were domestic chores, emotional support and sibling care, while care provided directly to the care recipient was perceived as less frequent. Many suggestions for improving the identification, referral and support of YCs were seen as relevant, but professionals were less supportive of suggestions for adjustments within schools. The key training needs centered around better identifying YCs and developing better knowledge of their difficulties. Differences were observed according to occupation, with administrative staff and teachers having less accurate perceptions than school counsellors as well as social and health professionals. This study shows that it can be difficult for school professionals to imagine a child providing care. Specific training, therefore, needs to be proposed according to school professionals' occupations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Untas
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université Paris Cité, F-92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Christel Vioulac
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université Paris Cité, F-92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Pauline Justin
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université Paris Cité, F-92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Agnes Leu
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Géraldine Dorard
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université Paris Cité, F-92100 Boulogne Billancourt, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dorard G, Vioulac C, Mathieu S, Ellien F, Bourgeois A, Untas A. Profiles of French young carers taking part in an arts and respite care program. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e3253-e3264. [PMID: 35199897 PMCID: PMC9539863 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Young carers (YCs) are children and adolescents who provide meaningful, regular support to a relative with a health problem. In France, only one programme exists to support them: the arts and respite care programme of the national association JADE. The aim of this study is to describe the profiles of YCs who had participated in this programme and to evaluate their expectations, opinions, and the evolution of their quality of life over the course of the programme. All YCs enrolled in the programme between 2017 and 2020 were invited to participate in the study. Upon arrival, the youths completed a self-report questionnaire addressing their sociodemographic and family situations, their caregiving activities, their quality of life, and their expectations for the programme. At the end of each week, a questionnaire evaluating their opinion of the programme and their quality of life was completed. A hundred and seventeen children participated (average age: 12; 71.8% girls). Most YCs provided support to a parent or sibling with a chronic somatic disease. The support mainly concerned doing domestic tasks and providing emotional support for the relative and was significantly higher among adolescents. Their expectations were mainly about getting respite and meeting other young people. Their levels of satisfaction were high and aligned with their expectations. Their quality of life increased significantly. French YCs in this programme had characteristics comparable to those observed internationally. The results underline the importance of respite and the benefits such a programme can bring to YCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Dorard
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de SantéUniversité de ParisBoulogne‐BillancourtFrance
| | - Christel Vioulac
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de SantéUniversité de ParisBoulogne‐BillancourtFrance
| | - Sasha Mathieu
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de SantéUniversité de ParisBoulogne‐BillancourtFrance
| | - Françoise Ellien
- Association Nationale Jeunes AiDants EnsembleJADELe Coudray‐MontceauxFrance
- Réseau de santé plurithématique SPESLe Coudray‐MontceauxFrance
| | | | - Aurélie Untas
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de SantéUniversité de ParisBoulogne‐BillancourtFrance
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hanson E, Barbabella F, Magnusson L, Brolin R, Svensson M, Yghemonos S, Hlebec V, Bolko I, Boccaletti L, Casu G, Hoefman R, de Boer AH, de Roos S, Santini S, Socci M, D’Amen B, Van Zoest F, de Jong N, Nap HH, de Jong Y, Bouwman T, Lewis F, Parkhouse T, Leu A, Phelps D, Guggiari E, Morgan V, Centola F, Joseph S, Becker S. Research and Innovation for and with Adolescent Young Carers to Influence Policy and Practice-The European Union Funded "ME-WE" Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9932. [PMID: 36011572 PMCID: PMC9407711 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Young carers are children and adolescents who provide care to other family members or friends, taking over responsibilities that are usually associated with adulthood. There is emerging but still scarce knowledge worldwide about the phenomenon of young carers and the impact of a caring role on their health, social and personal development spheres. This paper provides an overview of the main results from the ME-WE project, which is the first European research and innovation project dedicated to adolescent young carers (AYCs) (15-17 years). The project methods relied on three main activities: (1) a systematization of knowledge (by means of a survey to AYCs, country case studies, Delphi study, literature review); (2) the co-design, implementation and evaluation of a primary prevention intervention addressing AYCs' mental health (by means of Blended Learning Networks and a clinical trial in six European countries); (3) the implementation of knowledge translation actions for dissemination, awareness, advocacy and lobbying (by means of national and international stakeholder networks, as well as traditional and new media). Project results substantially contributed to a better understanding of AYCs' conditions, needs and preferences, defined tailored support intervention (resilient to COVID-19 related restrictions), and significant improvements in national and European policies for AYCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Hanson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), Strömgatan 13, 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Francesco Barbabella
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), Strömgatan 13, 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Lennart Magnusson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), Strömgatan 13, 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Rosita Brolin
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), Strömgatan 13, 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Miriam Svensson
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, 39182 Kalmar, Sweden
- The Swedish Family Care Competence Centre (NKA), Strömgatan 13, 39232 Kalmar, Sweden
| | | | - Valentina Hlebec
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva pl. 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Bolko
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Kardeljeva pl. 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Licia Boccaletti
- Anziani e Non Solo Società Cooperativa Sociale, Via Lenin 55, 41012 Carpi, Italy
| | - Giulia Casu
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Renske Hoefman
- The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), Postbus 16164, 2500 The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Alice H. de Boer
- The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), Postbus 16164, 2500 The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Simone de Roos
- The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP), Postbus 16164, 2500 The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Santini
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
| | - Marco Socci
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara D’Amen
- Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Aging, IRCCS INRCA-National Institute of Health and Science on Aging, Via Santa Margherita 5, 60124 Ancona, Italy
| | - Frans Van Zoest
- Vilans–The National Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care in The Netherlands, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nynke de Jong
- Vilans–The National Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care in The Netherlands, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Herman Nap
- Vilans–The National Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care in The Netherlands, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne de Jong
- Vilans–The National Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care in The Netherlands, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara Bouwman
- Vilans–The National Centre of Expertise for Long-Term Care in The Netherlands, Churchilllaan 11, 3527 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Feylyn Lewis
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Godchaux Hall 226, 461 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Tom Parkhouse
- School of Education and Social Work, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RG, UK
| | - Agnes Leu
- Department Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Phelps
- Department Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Health and Well-Being, University of Winchester, Winchester SO22 4NR, UK
| | - Elena Guggiari
- Department Health, Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences, Gloriastrasse 18a, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Vicky Morgan
- Carers Trust, 32–36 Loman Street, London SE1 OEH, UK
| | - Francesca Centola
- Eurocarers, 14 Rue Père de Deken, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
- Mental Health Europe, Rue de la Presse 4, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stephen Joseph
- School of Education, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Saul Becker
- School of Education and Social Work, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RG, UK
- Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Justin P, Dorard G, Baudry V, Untas A. Oncology healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding young carers. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:2524-2530. [PMID: 35105474 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increasing numbers of youths are facing a relative's cancer. In this context, some are required to provide significant support and are called young carers (YCs). However, little is known about how these youth are viewed and supported by health professionals. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oncology healthcare professionals regarding YCs. METHODS Thirty-one oncology professionals working in France (adult and pediatric departments and homecare services) participated in semi-structured interviews. RESULTS The results indicated that almost all professionals had already met a YC and could identify several situations in their professional context. Their knowledge of YCs appeared to influence their attitudes and practices. They perceived this situation in a rather superficial way when their discourse and ideas were explored in-depth. They mentioned some ideas for improving support for YCs, but also many barriers. CONCLUSION The results highlight a moderate level of awareness. Thus, it is necessary to enhance providers' awareness and knowledge of YCs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Awareness campaigns and training programs need to be developed for oncology healthcare professionals to help them better identify, understand, and support YCs and their families. This type of action would positively impact patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Justin
- Université de Paris, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
| | - Géraldine Dorard
- Université de Paris, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Valentine Baudry
- Centre Léon Bérard, Département de Recherche en Sciences Humaines et Sociales, Lyon, France
| | - Aurélie Untas
- Université de Paris, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Institute Universitaire de France, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Quality of Life of Schoolchildren Living with a Long-Term Sick Parent: The Role of Tasks at Home, Life Circumstances and Social Support. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127043. [PMID: 35742290 PMCID: PMC9222860 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates whether there are differences in quality of life-i.e., psychosomatic complaints and life satisfaction-between schoolchildren with and without a chronically ill or disabled parent at home. It also examines the role played by the intensity of tasks, life circumstances, and social support at home and school. In 2017, a Dutch representative sample of adolescents aged between 12 and 16 (from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study) completed a questionnaire about illness of family members, tasks at home, life circumstances and characteristics, social support, psychosomatic complaints and life satisfaction. In total, 5470 schoolchildren who did not have a parent with a chronic illness and 652 who did have a parent with a chronic illness were selected (average age 13.9). Stepwise multilevel logistic regression analyses in STATA were used. Schoolchildren with an ill parent had more psychosomatic complaints and lower life satisfaction than their counterparts without an ill parent, even when controlling for extra task hours, specific life circumstances and characteristics (e.g., more likely to be growing up in a single-parent family or stepfamily and more likely to be female), and lower perceived support. These aspects are also predictors of a lower quality of life. Professionals should address these aspects of the life of schoolchildren with a sick parent in such a way that they are facilitated to make a successful transition to adulthood.
Collapse
|
12
|
The Young Carers' Journey: A Systematic Review and Meta Ethnography. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105826. [PMID: 35627362 PMCID: PMC9140828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite growing international interest, the caregiving body of literature lacks a recent understanding of young carers’ experiences and their contact with the health care system. We conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies to (1) synthesize more recent qualitative evidence on young carers’ experience, and (2) to identify how these young carers interact with the health care system in their caregiving role. Using a meta-ethnographic synthesis, a total of 28 empirical studies met inclusion. Key findings helped inform an overarching framework of the experience of young carers as illustrated by a journey map. The journey map is a visual depiction of the stages these young carers go through when in a caregiving role framed by three themes: (1) encountering caregiving; (2) being a young caregiver, and (3) moving beyond caregiving. The caregiving experience is perceived by young people as challenging and complex, which could be improved with more informational navigation and emotional support. Understanding these experiences provides insight into gaps in health services and potential solutions that align with the stages outlined in the journey map.
Collapse
|
13
|
Untas A, Jarrige E, Vioulac C, Dorard G. Prevalence and characteristics of adolescent young carers in France: The challenge of identification. J Adv Nurs 2022; 78:2367-2382. [PMID: 35112732 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Untas
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université de Paris, Paris, Boulogne Billancourt, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Eléonore Jarrige
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université de Paris, Paris, Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Christel Vioulac
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université de Paris, Paris, Boulogne Billancourt, France
| | - Géraldine Dorard
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, Université de Paris, Paris, Boulogne Billancourt, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Growing up with a Chronically Ill Family Member-The Impact on and Support Needs of Young Adult Carers: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19020855. [PMID: 35055678 PMCID: PMC8776224 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This scoping review provides an overview of the impact of growing up with a chronically ill family member on young adults (18-25 years old), and their specific needs. Young adults represent an important life stage involving a transition to adulthood, during which individuals' family situations can affect their future. We searched relevant studies following the guideline of Arskey and O'Mailley's methodological framework and the PRISMA statement guidelines for scoping reviews in PubMed, PsychInfo and reference lists to identify articles for inclusion. Studies from 2005 to 2020 were included in this review. Of the 12 studies, six qualitative studies, five quantitative studies and one mixed method study were included. Eight studies discussed the impact, including consequences at a physical and mental level, at their personal development and future perspectives, but also positive effects, such as being capable of organizing their lives. Four studies discussed the needs of young adult carers, including emotional needs, support needs with regard to stimulating autonomy (arising from internal conflicts) and developing their own identity, and the concerned attitude of involved professionals. An unambiguous definition of the target group and further well-designed research are needed to improve clarity about the role of support, so that future professionals can adequately address the needs and wishes of young adults who grow up with an ill family member.
Collapse
|
15
|
Justin P, Dorard G, Vioulac C, Leu A, Untas A. What do French school staff know about young carers? A qualitative study about their perceptions. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Justin
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé Université de Paris Boulogne‐Billancourt France
| | - Géraldine Dorard
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé Université de Paris Boulogne‐Billancourt France
| | - Christel Vioulac
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé Université de Paris Boulogne‐Billancourt France
| | - Agnes Leu
- Careum School of Health Kalaidos University of Applied Sciences Zürich Switzerland
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics, Medical Faculty University of Basel Basel Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Untas
- Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé Université de Paris Boulogne‐Billancourt France
| |
Collapse
|