P2.086: Evaluating a Strengths-Based Family Program for Caregiver Chronic Illness Burden and Childhood Psychosocial Function

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events, such as childhood neglect and family dysfunction, with potential long-term health effects and toxic stress. Additionally, childhood psychosocial dysfunction (CPD) is a set of behavioral issues that have been attributed to psychosocial factors such as ACEs. Moreover, caregiver chronic illness can potentially contribute to toxic stress and family distress. While the impacts of a caregiver’s chronic illness on their child are not well understood, previous data from our research team found associations between high caregiver chronic illness stress and psychosocial dysfunction in their children. These families were subsequently enrolled in a family-centered, strengths-based parenting support pilot intervention adapted from the Parent-Child Care (PC-Care) model. This study aims to explore the qualitative experience and impact of a parenting support intervention on caregiver chronic illness burden and childhood psychosocial dysfunction from the caregiver's perspective.

Methods: Caregivers in Inland Southern California with a chronic illness and high perceived stress per validated instruments (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, Perceived Stress Scale-4), and whose children (aged 6-12 years old), had a score of 15 or higher on Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17) participated in a family-centered, resiliency-focused parenting program adapted from PC-Care; consisting of four, weekly 20-minute sessions followed by three, monthly check-ins via secured phone calls. Weekly Childhood Behavior was monitored with Weekly Assessment of Childhood Behavior (WACB) and after 3 months, with PSC-17. Sessions were audio recorded, transcribed, and inductively coded via the Dedoose program for qualitative analysis, utilizing a reflexive, modified grounded theory approach for recurring themes.

Results: Out of the total caregivers (n = 15) who scored highly for chronic illness stress and reported psychosocial dysfunction in their children, six completed the intervention. Recurring themes included positive impacts of the intervention on caregivers’ parenting and child behavior. Caregivers initially expressed forms of “parental guilt,” decreasing over time with reports of parenting successes. Caregivers noted increased confidence and success with specific parenting skills. Positive changes included reduced frequency and duration of challenging behaviors in their children.

Conclusion: Caregivers experiencing chronic illness burden and CPD in their children perceive potential benefits in their parenting, confidence levels, and their children’s behavior from a strengths-based, family-centered parenting program adapted from the PC-Care model. Future directions include expanding the inclusion criteria, increasing the number of recruited families, and collaborating with health paraprofessionals to aid in implementing these screening and parenting tools.