Development of a tool to measure the life situation of parents of children with cancer

Author(s): Carlsson, M., vonEssen, L., Kreuger, A., Hamrin, E.

Journal/Book: Qual Life Res. 1997; 6: 2-6 Boundary Row, London, England SE1 8NH. Rapid Science Publishers. 248-256.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the recently developed Life Situation Scare for Parents (LSS-P) among parents of children with cancer, One hundred and ten parents of seventy-four children and adolescents who visited three paediatric wards in Sweden filled out three instruments: The LSS-P, the Quality of life Scale and the Family Support Scale. The reliability co-efficient, Cronbach's alpha, was found to he 0.82 for the LSS-P, A factor analysis with orthogonal varimax rotation of 37 items of the LSS-P gave twelve factors. A higher order factor analysis reduced the factors to four (Care, Well-being, Social life and Preparedness), explaining the underlying dimensions to 57.9%. The fetal LSS-P correlated significantly with the Quality of Life Scale, and the higher order factor Care with the Family Support Scale. The LSS-P discriminated, in some aspects, between two-parent and single parent, families and between parents visiting the ward for treatment or check-up. The conclusion is that this first version of the LSS-P was valid and reliable (internal consistency) to a certain extent, but that the instrument should be tested on larger samples acid during different phases of the disease.

Note: Article Enskar K, Linkoping Univ, Fac Hlth Sci, Dept Caring Sci, S-58185 Linkoping, SWEDEN

Keyword(s): child; family health; life experiences; neoplasms; psychometrics

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