Abstract
Background: Childhood chronic illness can have a significant impact on siblings of ill children. The aim of this review was to identify, appraise and synthesise the literature in order to examine the impact of childhood chronic illness or disability on siblings.
Method: A systematic review was undertaken by searching the databases CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest and Cochrane Library. By using relevant search terms seventeen research studies were reviewed. All of the studies used quantitative methodologies to examine the impact of childhood chronic illness on siblings.
Results: The review focused on three sibling groups related to children diagnosed with autism, cancer and Down's syndrome. The findings are discussed under the following headings: ‘sibling adjustment to chronic illness’, ‘family functioning and sibling's coping resources’ and finally ‘intervention programmes for siblings of chronically ill children’.
Conclusion: The literature revealed that siblings of children with Down's syndrome were well adjusted to living with their brother or sister. However, there was conflicting information on the adjustment of siblings of children diagnosed with Cancer and Autism. An awareness of the harmful effect that living with childhood illness and disability can have on some siblings is essential to enable children's nurses to provide supportive interventions to protect siblings' physical and emotional wellbeing.
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O'Brien, I. 248 Impact of Childhood Chronic Illnesses on Siblings: A Systematic Literature Review. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 129 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00248
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00248