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Psychological and social impacts on carers of children with a gastrostomy: a systematic review

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Abstract

To determine the psychological and social impacts of a gastrostomy in childhood on carers and families. A systematic search of OVID, Medline and Embase was undertaken using the subject headings and word variants for ‘gastrostomy’, ‘children’ and ‘carers’. Studies included were those describing the impact of gastrostomies in children on family and carers, published in English. 564 articles were identified. After exclusion of duplicates, abstract and full text screening, 25 were included. Carer anxiety increases in the period leading up to, and for a short period following gastrostomy insertion. 3–6 months following gastrostomy insertion, anxiety reduced (reduced State–Trait Anxiety Inventory scores), carer quality of life improved (higher Quality of Life Scale scores), and carer satisfaction with the child’s gastrostomy increased (improved Satisfaction Questionnaire with Gastrostomy Feeding scores). Reported changes in carer quality of life in the longer term following a child’s gastrostomy insertion were mixed. The social and psychological burden on caregivers of a gastrostomy in childhood varies over time. There is evidence that paediatric gastrostomies have positive effects on carers’ psychological and social well-being; however, aspects of carers’ quality of life remain impaired. Carer education and support are vital to reduce the burden placed on carers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. GKT King’s College London Medical School, London, UK

    Joe Prakash & Iain Yardley

  2. Department of Paediatric Surgery, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, London, SE1 7EH, UK

    Caroline Pardy & Iain Yardley

  3. Childrens Health Ireland, Herberton, St James’s Walk, Rialto, D08 HP97, Ireland

    Veronica Kelly

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  1. Joe Prakash
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  2. Caroline Pardy
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  3. Iain Yardley
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  4. Veronica Kelly
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Contributions

JP: carried out the systematic review and data extraction, and drafted the manuscript. CP: supervised the systematic review and revised the manuscript. IY: conceived the study, supervised the systematic review, and the manuscript writing. VK: conceived the study, supervised the systematic review, and the manuscript writing.

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Correspondence to Caroline Pardy.

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Prakash, J., Pardy, C., Yardley, I. et al. Psychological and social impacts on carers of children with a gastrostomy: a systematic review. Pediatr Surg Int 40, 44 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-023-05618-4

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