Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to explore the employment choices of mothers of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) and associated factors.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 mothers of CCSs regarding their employment status from the onset of their child’s cancer until the time of the survey. Transcripts were created from the interview data, and then inductive thematic analysis was performed.
Results
The employment choices made by mothers of CCSs who were working at the time of diagnosis included “continue working”, “take a leave of absence”, “extend parental leave”, and “quit”. The following four themes emerged as factors related to the mothers’ employment choices at the time of diagnosis: thoughts on daily life during treatment, treatment environment, workplace support, and financial situation during treatment. The following six themes emerged as factors associated with the mothers’ employment choices after discharge: mothers’ attitudes toward working, the impact of working on their child, support for working, the child’s health status, financial situation after complete treatment, and outpatient visits.
Conclusion
In addition to intention to work, several factors were found to be associated with a mother’s decision regarding employment. In particular, immediately after diagnosis, the CCSs’ situation changed rapidly, which made it difficult for mothers to make decisions while in a psychologically stable state. These findings suggest the need to support mothers of CCSs so that they can calmly assess their current situation, consider various factors, and make decisions based on what they value most in their own lives.