Childhood chickenpox: its impact on child and family

Sixty-nine parents took part in nine discussion groups designed to explore the effect of childhood chickenpox on the behaviour of the affected child, on family routines and on the parents themselves. Although most parents thought of chickenpox as a relatively trivial illness, it was found that there was considerable disruption to family organization and plans and, often, great strain was imposed on a parent, usually the mother. Some families incurred extra financial burdens in terms of time taken from work, the purchase of over the counter preparations, childminders and special treats for the sick child. It was apparent that parents needed more information and reassurance about the nature and course of the illness.