Understanding Parental Grief during Pediatric Cancer Care in Indonesia: A Phenomenological Study

This qualitative phenomenological study explores the grieving process experienced by parents of children undergoing cancer treatment in Indonesia. The study was driven by the recognition that a childhood cancer diagnosis initiates a profound and complex emotional journey for parents, impacting their psychological well-being and caregiving capacity. Despite the significant distress, parental grief during active treatment is often overlooked in research and clinical support frameworks. Research Objectives To explore the grieving process and emotional experiences of parents caring for children undergoing cancer treatment. To identify the stages and themes of parental grief within the context of pediatric oncology care. To understand the coping mechanisms and support systems that influence parents' adaptation and resilience. Methodology A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was applied. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with parents purposively sampled from a specialized pediatric oncology hospital. Interview data were analyzed thematically following Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Emerging themes were identified to capture the essence of parents' lived experiences throughout their child's treatment journey. Participants Participants included six parents (aged 30-46 years) of children actively undergoing cancer treatment. All participants were recruited from one of only two hospitals in Indonesia providing specialized pediatric oncology services, located in West Sumatra. All participants provided informed consent prior to data collection. Data Collection and Instruments Data collection utilized a semi-structured interview guide developed based on Kübler-Ross's grief model and relevant literature. In-depth interviews, lasting 30-60 minutes each, were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The research was reported in accordance with the COREQ (Consolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research) checklist to ensure rigor and transparency. Ethical Considerations Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the hospital review board (RSUP M. Djamil). The research strictly complied with ethical principles, including voluntary participation, written informed consent, confidentiality through data anonymization, and the right to withdraw without consequence to the child's medical care. Summary of Findings The analysis identified five main themes characterizing the parental grieving process: Closing Eyes to Reality: Initial reactions of shock, disbelief, and denial following the child's diagnosis. Facing Anger and Loss: Experiencing anger, questioning fate, and engaging in self-blame or the search for causality. Negotiating with Fate: Seeking alternative treatments, bargaining with medical authorities, and attempting to regain control. Resilience in Trials: Navigating profound sadness, disruption of daily life, and the significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens of caregiving. Finding Strength in Acceptance: Achieving acceptance through hope, spiritual beliefs, patience, and support from family and community, often leading to a role in supporting other parents. Project Components Data Collection: Interview guides, audio recordings, verbatim transcripts, and informed consent forms. Analysis Process: Thematic coding framework based on Colaizzi's steps, utilizing NVivo software for data organization. Manuscript and Outputs: Final research article structured for journal submission, including abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Ethics and Approvals: Formal ethical clearance letter and research permission documentation.