Coping strategies for caregivers of children with a chronic disease: a methodological study

ABSTRACT

Aim: To develop a decision support model to identify coping strategies for caregivers, with regard to chronic diseases in childhood. Method: methodological study carried out in two stages detecting the problem and establishing rules for making decisions. It was based on a study conducted with the caregivers of children with chronic diseases. Result: it is logical model for decision support. Discussion: coping strategies focused on the problem, seeking support with the aid of religious and social support networks, act positively in terms of adapting to chronic diseases; however, strategies focusing on emotion generate a negative response. Conclusion: the model of decision support can assist health professionals in identifying coping strategies that facilitate or hinder the adaptation of caregivers concerning chronic diseases in childhood.