Children with chronic illness. The prevention of dysfunction

Abstract

Children with long-term illnesses are at risk of developing problems in psychological adjustment and in functioning in activities of daily life. Their families face increased risks of marital and economic dysfunction, and siblings too face special tasks living with a chronically ill child. A variety of interventions can help children and families to cope effectively with the tasks of chronic illness. Pediatricians should be alert to effects on the family. Children respond to family stress in very predictable ways. Inasmuch as the stress of chronic illness may affect the marital relationship, there is a likelihood of concurrent behavioral and school problems. Relatively sudden changes in behavior may signal family issues that require professional attention. Drotar et al. maintain that professionals should serve as guides or advocates for children with chronic illness and their families. The relationship that develops between families and professionals is based on trust. They believe that "trust appears to evolve from the following principles: (1) continuity of relationship, (2) active participation by professional caregivers, (3) mutual participation of child and family, (4) advocacy, (5) a focus on coping and competence, (6) a developmental perspective, and (7) a family-centered focus." Cadman et al. identified a similar set of elements that characterizes an efficacious preventive intervention approach. In addition, they propose specific programmatic efforts that are associated with less morbidity. These include ongoing education and counseling for the child, family, and community regarding chronic illness and its management, use of stress management techniques to promote mastery and reduce the impact of stressful life events, and facilitation of social support mechanisms for families with chronically ill children. We have added consideration of the child's performance in school.