POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH IN MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH LEUKEMIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background & Aim: Mothers of children with leukemia are affected by mostly negative outcomes of the disease. But these negative situations can also act as a stimulus for mental growth. Considering the prevalence of childhood leukemia, it is necessary to describe the factors that can improve mothers’ mental states. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe post-traumatic growth in mothers of hospitalized children with leukemia. Materials & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Tabriz Children's Hospital in 2021. Mothers who had a hospitalized child under 14 years old with leukemia were included in the study. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire as well as a post-traumatic growth (PTG) questionnaire. Data analysis was done with descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS software version 25. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. Results: One hundred twenty-two mothers were included in the study. The results showed that the mean score of post-traumatic growth (71.90±14.40) and the mean score of all subscales were above moderate. The highest growth was in the appreciation of life, and the lowest growth was in the new possibilities. Conclusion: The results showed that the mothers of children with leukemia achieved good levels of growth. This positive change as a result of a negative event could be considered as a strong point for mothers as the main caregivers of children. Focusing on individual growth and making mothers aware of its dimensions can improve their disease management. Also, considering that the lowest growth was related to the new possibilities, it is necessary to solve the existing deficiencies by examining the mothers' available facilities.