Fathers parenting chronically ill children: concerns and coping strategies

The concerns and coping strategies of fathers with chronically ill children and those they perceived as their wives' were identified. In this descriptive study of fathers of chronically ill children seen in three specialty clinics of a pediatric hospital, 48 completed the Hymovich Family Perception Inventory (FPI). Eighty-five percent or more identified seven concerns for themselves and perceived their wives to have seven concerns. Four of the concerns were the same as their own. Four coping strategies were identified as used by more than 85% of the fathers and 3 by their spouses. Two strategies were the same for both groups; all dealt with problem solving and information gathering. Nurses can address fathers' concerns and support them in the use of positive coping strategies, which supports family-centered care.