Factors associated with parental activation in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Med Care Res Rev. 2012 Apr;69(2):194-214. doi: 10.1177/1077558711431460. Epub 2011 Dec 26.

Abstract

Patient activation, the extension of self-efficacy into self-management, is an essential component of effective chronic care. In pediatric populations, caregiver activation is also needed for proper disease management. This study investigates the relationships between parental activation and other characteristics of parent-child dyads (N = 198) presenting for pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Parental activation concerning their child's health was assessed using the Parent Patient Activation Measure (Parent-PAM), a modified version of the well-validated Patient Activation Measure (PAM). Using hierarchical linear regression and following the Belsky process model for determining parenting behaviors, a multivariate model was created for parental activation on behalf of their child that showed that the parent's age, rating of their own general health, self-activation, and duration of the child's illness were significantly related to Parent-PAM score. Our findings characterize a potentially distinct form of activation in a parent-child cohort preparing for a demanding clinical course.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Caregivers
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Demography
  • Female
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Medical Oncology
  • Middle Aged
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Self Care
  • Self Efficacy
  • Social Environment
  • Surveys and Questionnaires