Psychological distress and coping strategies in parents of children receiving cancer therapy in Morocco - a correlational study.

Abstract

Introduction: Treating a child with cancer in a family is a challenge that can have an impact on mental health. The study consists of determining the prevalence of psychological distress of parents of cancer children and exploring its correlations with their coping strategies.

Material and methods: The survey was conducted between March and July 2023 among parents or guardians of children with cancer. The data collection tool was a version of the general health questionnaire (GHQ12) to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress and the coping orientation to problems experienced, to explore coping strategies. The correlation between the mean GHQ12 score and adaptation strategies is assessed through bivariate analyses and multiple regression.

Results: 232 parents or guardians of children participated in the study. The average GHQ12 score (0-36) was 22 ±6.83. Regarding coping strategies, religion was the most frequently used strategy. The general health questionnaire score showed significant negative correlations with active coping strategies with r = -0.14; p = 0.03, and acceptance with r = -0.51; p < 0.001, and significant positive correlations with denial with r = 0.25; p < 0.001, and self-blame with r = 0.24; p < 0,001. In multivariate analysis, acceptance (β = -1.9, p < 0.001) and denial stra- tegy (β = 0.46, p = 0.02) are predictive factors of psychological distress.

Conclusions: The study highlights the significant impact of coping strategies on the psychological distress experienced by parents of children undergoing cancer treatment in Morocco, by facilitating a more resilient adaptation and improved psychological well-being. These findings could form the basis for the development of culturally adapted mental health support programs for parents in simi-lar contexts.