The understanding level of disease and the way of obtaining disease information of children with leukemia: a qualitative study / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To describe the understanding level of disease of children with leukemia and their ways of obtaining disease information in order to help nurses and parents to select appropriate content and manners to communicate with children about disease information.Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 children' parents using a descriptive qualitative research method,and the data were analyzed using content analysis.Results Children during remission stage of leukemia had different understanding levels of their disease.Ways of children with leukemia to obtain disease information was correlated with their mental maturity.Conclusions Disease information should be told according to children's age,disease course and level of thinking,and health professionals and parents could provide appropilate ways of obtaining information for children on basis of their mental maturity.