Keywords
Patients
Mortality
Anxiety
Assessment
Emotional
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Chronic illnesses in children disrupt normal developmental processes and significantly affect psychological well-being—not only for the patients but also for their families. Objective: To examine the psychological impact of chronic illnesses on pediatric patients and their primary caregivers, assess commonly used coping mechanisms, and identify gaps in support services. Methods: This observational study was conducted at Sahiwal teaching Hospital, from January 2024 to July 2024. A total of 110 pediatric patients, aged between 6 and 17 years, participated in the study. All participants had been diagnosed with a chronic illness for a minimum of six months. Data were collected using several standardized psychological assessment tools. The Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) was used to screen for emotional and behavioral problems in children. Results: Emotional and behavioral difficulties were identified in 39% of children, with older age groups showing higher emotional symptom scores. Anxiety (44%) and depression (31%) were the most prevalent issues. Among caregivers, 46% reported moderate to severe anxiety and 32% experienced significant depressive symptoms. A positive correlation was found between caregiver distress and child psychological symptoms (r = 0.48, p < .01). Problem- focused coping was the most common strategy (64%), while emotion-focused coping was associated with higher stress. Qualitative findings revealed three main themes: emotional turbulence at diagnosis, evolving coping and resilience, and unmet needs in psychological and financial support. Conclusions: Chronic illness in pediatric populations presents a dual burden on children and their families. Psychological support is often insufficient, particularly for caregivers and adolescents. Family functioning and coping style significantly influence outcomes.