Rahmat Alah Jadidi, Davod Hekmatpou, Aziz Eghbali, Fereshteh Memari,
Volume 15, Issue 9 (2-2013)
Abstract
Background: Leukemia, due to its widespread prevalence, high mortality rate, high treatment expenses, and long hospital stay, influences the families and their children to a great extent. This study was done to explore the experiences of parents whose children suffer from leukemia. Materials and Methods: Using qualitative research approach with applying content analysis method, 22 participants were interviewed in two teaching hospitals during 2 months. The study started by purposive sampling and continued by a theoretical one till data saturation. The obtained data were constantly analyzed through content analysis method. Results: Data analysis showed that “finding no solution in life, having a lot of problems, errors in treatment, concealing the illness, faith in God, parents’ devotion, hospital facilities, and consistency were the level 3 codes of parents’ experiences and “parents’ reaching a dead-end in life” was the main theme or core category of this study. Conclusion: Using a qualitative approach for exploring the experiences of parents with a child suffering from blood cancer helped recognize them more profoundly than quantitative methods. On the other hand, “parents’ reaching a dead-end in life” as the theme shows the importance of attention to parents’ problems. Using these experiences can increase hope among parents and help conduct the treatment more effectively.