6th Edition of World Nursing Science Conference 2026

Abstract

Caring for children with chronic illnesses requires a holistic, family-centered approach, particularly when a single parent is the primary caregiver. Single parents of chronically ill children often face unique and complex challenges that affect their emotional, financial, and psychological well-being. These caregivers take on the full burden of managing complex care needs, which can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and social isolation. Compared to parents of healthy children, they are more vulnerable to feelings of helplessness and emotional exhaustion, with higher risks of depression and anxiety.

In addition to emotional strain, single parents often face significant financial burdens. Medical expenses, transportation costs, and the potential loss of income due to missed work create a precarious financial situation. These ongoing pressures can threaten family stability and negatively impact both parent and child.

While some caregivers demonstrate resilience through access to community resources and social support, others struggle to connect with needed services, further exacerbating their mental health challenges. Research suggests that the cumulative effects of these stressors may contribute to poorer health outcomes for both the caregiver and the child.

This poster explores the impact of chronic illness caregiving on single-parent households, with a focus on the psychological and financial stressors they encounter. It highlights the importance of implementing targeted mental health support, accessible community resources, and policy interventions aimed at alleviating these burdens.

From a nursing perspective, recognizing the specific needs of single-parent families is essential in delivering empathetic, holistic care. Nurses are in a unique position to advocate for these families by promoting mental health resources, facilitating connections to support systems, and ensuring that care plans reflect the family’s full context.

By addressing these disparities, we can improve the quality of life for both caregivers and their children, ultimately fostering more resilient, supportive family environments.

The care of children with cancer, and its impacts on the child and family, has been a long-standing interest of mine. As a child in a single-parent household, I was deeply aware of the impact of childhood illness on the parent, particularly if there was a lack of support. There was a research gap in care of children with cancer in single-parent households. Given the lack of data, my goal is to expand how we can provide proper support to single parents raising their child with chronic illness. I hope to continue this study postgraduate opportunities.