Caregiver stress in children with craniosynostosis: a systematic literature review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Developmental Psychology
• Caregiver Support

Background:

• Craniosynostosis affects approximately 1 in 2500 births, often requiring surgical intervention in infants.
• Caregiver stress is a significant factor in the well-being of children with craniosynostosis, yet it remains understudied in this population.
• The condition and its treatment present a considerable ordeal for families, impacting child development and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on caregiver stress in pediatric craniosynostosis.
• To identify common trends and gaps in research regarding caregiver stress in this specific patient group.
• To understand the relationship between caregiver stress and psychosocial outcomes in children with craniosynostosis.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases including PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO, and CINAHL.
• Articles specifically addressing craniosynostosis and parental/caregiver stress were identified and reviewed.
• Studies on craniofacial abnormalities and parental satisfaction post-surgery were also included for a broader perspective.

Main Results:

• A limited number of studies specifically focus on caregiver stress in pediatric craniosynostosis.
• While caregiver stress is linked to psychosocial outcomes, the literature presents mixed findings regarding significant differences in stress levels.
• No consistent trends of increased or decreased caregiver stress were identified in the reviewed studies.

Conclusions:

• Caregiver stress demonstrably influences the psychosocial development of children with craniosynostosis.
• The current body of research does not establish clear trends in caregiver stress levels for this population.
• Further research is essential to elucidate risk factors associated with caregiver stress and inform supportive interventions.