Effect of Family-Centered Empowerment Model Training on the Life Expectancy of Children with Cancer: A Semi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: In families with a child with cancer due to the changes that occur in the family structure and the role of its members following their child's illness; Mental and physical condition as well as life expectancy should be given more attention than other factors. Therefore, in order to maintain and improve life expectancy as well as better control of chronic diseases such as cancer that can affect the patient, his family and even the society for a long time, it is necessary that in addition to the patient's ability, his family should also be empowered. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of the family-centered empowerment model training on the life expectancy of children with cancer in 2023. Material and Methods: This study was semi-experimental. 60 children with cancer hospitalized in Shahid Sadoughi Hospital of Yazd were selected by the available sampling method and divided into two test and control groups by random assignment. Intervention was performed in the experimental group, and the control group received routine training from the department. The data collection tool in this study was a two-part questionnaire, including Miller’s demographic and life expectancy questionnaires, which were completed before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V20 software. Results: The results showed that the average score of life expectancy in the test group increased significantly compared with the control group after the intervention (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion: In children with cancer and their family members, due to the chronic nature of the disease and the problems arising from it, with the passage of time, a feeling of hopelessness may appear in them. It greatly improved their life expectancy. © 2025, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.