Assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Role of Spirituality Amongst Caregivers of Pediatric Cancer Patients in Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in pediatric cancer
caregivers and the impact of spirituality on PTSD in Pakistan.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Oncology, Shaukat Khanum
Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Peshawar, Northwest General Hospital & Research Centre,
Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad and Quaid-e-Azam
International Hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan from January 2023 to March 2023.
Methods: The study comprised 153 Caregivers of pediatric cancer patients aged One month –12 Years using
convenience sampling. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) and Caregiver's Spirituality Scale (CSS-10)
were used to collect data.
Results: Results of the study found that 81 caregivers (52.94%) had high PTSD, and 96 (62.74%) had high
spirituality. Females reported higher PTSD and spirituality than guys. Graduates have more PTSD and
spirituality than illiterates and matriculate. PTSD and spirituality had a negative Pearson's Correlation
Coefficient.
Conclusion: The study emphasizes spirituality as a caregiver's mental health protector. Healthcare practitioners
caring for pediatric cancer patients can use the findings to lessen PTSD symptoms by targeting caregivers'
spiritual needs. Convenience sampling and self-report measurements decrease generalizability. Future study is
needed to investigate the association between PTSD and spirituality in caregivers of pediatric cancer patients.

How to cite this: Bashir N, Ain Q, Karim N, Niazi H, Khan MI, Asghar AK. Assessment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Role of Spirituality Amongst Caregivers of Pediatric Cancer Patients in Pakistan. Life and Science. 2024; 5(1): 33-40. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.440