Cluster analysis on types of family management for children with malignant tumor

Abstract:

Objective: To explore the types of family management for children with malignant tumor，and to provide evidence for formulating more targeted intervention strategies of family management. Methods: Totally 176 children with malignant tumor and their main caregivers were investigated by using general information questionnaire and family management measure in a tertiary grade A children’s hospital of Chongqing. Cluster analysis was conducted to classify the family management of children，and analysis of variance was used to compare the general characteristics of children with different family management types. Results: Family management of children with malignant tumor could be divided into Ⅰ-Ⅳ categories：optimistic practical type，anxiety adaptation type，ability deficiency type and management difficulty type，in which Ⅲ and Ⅳ children’s family management level is low. There were statistically significant differences in the length of diagnosis（F=1.855，P=0.039），hospitalization times in the recent half year（F=1.787，P=0.003），type of residence（χ²=16.218，P=0.001）and education level of primary caregivers（χ²=16.319，P=0.012） among the four types of children. Conclusion: The family management of children with malignant tumor can be divided into different types by cluster analysis，which is conducive to the development of more precise disease management strategies for clinical medical staff and the optimal utilization of medical resources.