الفهرس 
AcknowledgmentOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Cancer as a chronic illness affects the entire family life of the affected children and deteriorates their quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to contribute to improvement of the QOL of family caregivers of cancer children receiving chemotherapy through improving their coping strategies. The study was carried out at the Hematology and Oncology Unit in the pediatric department at Zagazig University Hospital, Sharkia governorate using a quasi experimental design on 78 family caregivers of children having cancer and on chemotherapy. Data collection tools included an interview questionnaire form and scales for coping, anxiety, depression and stress, and QOL. The researcher developed, implemented, and evaluated a health educational program for family caregivers ”Family Guide for Coping with Child receiving Chemotherapy for Cancer” (FGCCCC). The results revealed that the family caregivers have deficient knowledge about the disease and its treatment, associated with high levels of anxiety, stress, and depression, and low coping and QOL before the program. The implementation of the program led to significant improvements in caregivers’ knowledge, most coping strategies, anxiety, and QOL. The independent predictors of caregivers’ QOL scores are the intervention and the depression score, with the intervention improving QOl and depression worsening it. The study recommends dissemination of the educational program to other pediatric oncology hospitals, with involvement of other family members in the program.
Key words: Cancer, Children, Chemotherapy, Coping, QoL, Family caregiver, Educational program.