Psychological and Socioeconomic Burdens Faced by Family Caregivers of Children With Asthma: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Asthma affects nearly 1 in every 12 children in the United States. Caring for a child with asthma poses significant challenges for the parent or caregiver. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify the psychological and socioeconomic burdens faced by family caregivers of children with asthma.

Method: An integrative review was conducted to review and appraise 80 studies.

Results: Psychosocial burdens included decreased mental health, quality of life, sleep, family stress, educational deficits, cultural and health disparities, and health care communication challenges. Socioeconomic burdens included poor access to care, as well as work and financial challenges. Studies demonstrated a link between family caregiver health and child health outcomes. Facilitators included education and empowerment, social support, and use of technology.

Discussion: As the family caregiver's health directly affects the asthmatic child's health, addressing the burdens of family caregivers should be a key consideration in pediatric asthma care.

Keywords: Family caregiving; asthma; burden; caregiver; respiratory.