Experiences of Dutch students growing up with a family member with a chronic illness: A qualitative study
Corresponding Author
Hinke M. Van der Werf MSc, RN
Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
Correspondence
Hinke M. Van der Werf, Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen Petrus Driessenstraat 3, 9714 CA, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorWolter Paans PhD, RN
Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorGeertjan Emmens RN
Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorAnneke L. Francke PhD
Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
APH, Amsterdam Public Health research institute / Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorPetrie F. Roodbol PhD
Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
Faculty of Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorMarie Louise A. Luttik PhD, RN
Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Hinke M. Van der Werf MSc, RN
Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
Correspondence
Hinke M. Van der Werf, Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen Petrus Driessenstraat 3, 9714 CA, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Email: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorWolter Paans PhD, RN
Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorGeertjan Emmens RN
Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorAnneke L. Francke PhD
Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
APH, Amsterdam Public Health research institute / Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorPetrie F. Roodbol PhD
Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
Faculty of Medical Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorMarie Louise A. Luttik PhD, RN
Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands
Search for more papers by this authorFunding information
This study is part of a PhD programme that is supported by a grant from the Hanzehogeschool Groningen and the University Medical Centre of Groningen.
Abstract
Students growing up with a family member with a chronic illness often delay or drop out of school when the combination of family care and their educational programme is too demanding. This study aims to describe the themes experienced by students growing up in this situation. A qualitative focus group design was used. The recruitment for this study was done through an online survey where students could indicate whether they also wanted to participate in a focus group. Twenty-five Dutch students (age 18–25 years) who grew up with a family member with a chronic illness participated in one of the total of seven focus groups. A qualitative inductive analysis was used to identify codes and main themes. Students growing up with a family member with a chronic illness experience responsibility issues, loyalty conflicts, peer alienation, role reversal, negative influence on personal development, daily worries and confronting situations. They reported substantial impact in terms of their general well-being, their family relationships and in their choices for their future. Students articulated that growing up in this situation has a serious and substantial impact on their lives. Further research is required in order to gain comprehensive insights into the requests of these students regarding personal and family support.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
HMW, WP, GE ALF, PFR and MLAL declare no competing interests.
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