Burnout in parents of sick children and its risk factors

Design: A literature review.

Methods: Content analysis of research published in the years 1/2004 – 12/2018 in electronic databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, and EBSCO) was applied. Following application of the selection criteria, 14 surveys were included in the final analysis.

Results: The studies integrated into the review show considerable methodological variation (i.e., different types of tools used to assess burnout, different respondent selection) and differences in the presentation of results. The analysis of the results indicates that caring for sick children is a risk factor for parent burnout. Burnout intensity is probably influenced more by parents’ subjective perception of childrenʼs diseases than the objective nature of the diseases (e.g., degree of disability, duration of disease, disease compensation). However, having a sick child is only one of many predictors of parent burnout. Some research suggests that social support, personality traits of parents, or how effectively family and partner relationships function can be more significant factors predisposing parents to burnout.

Conclusion: Parental burnout is an area requiring attention from nurses in view of the potential negative impact on the health of both parents and children.