The experiences of parents of children with leukemia: A qualitative research

Leukemia، due to its widespread prevalence، high mortality rate، high treatment expenses، and long hospital stay، influences the families and their children to a great extent. This study was done to explore the experiences of parents whose children suffer from leukemia. Using qualitative research approach with applying content analysis method، 22 participants were interviewed in two teaching hospitals during 2 months. The study started by purposive sampling and continued by a theoretical one till data saturation. The obtained data were constantly analyzed through content analysis method. Data analysis showed that “finding no solution in life، having a lot of problems، errors in treatment، concealing the illness، faith in God، parents’ devotion، hospital facilities، and consistency were the level 3 codes of parents’ experiences and “parents’ reaching a dead-end in life” was the main theme or core category of this study. Using a qualitative approach for exploring the experiences of parents with a child suffering from blood cancer helped recognize them more profoundly than quantitative methods. On the other hand، “parents’ reaching a dead-end in life” as the theme shows the importance of attention to parents’ problems. Using these experiences can increase hope among parents and help conduct the treatment more effectively.