Abstract
BACKGROUND: As an important protective factor for caregivers' well-being, a sense of coherence can reduce a series of negative effects brought about by the care process. Previous studies have focused on the adverse factors that lead to psychological problems in caregivers of children with acute leukaemia. This study explored factors that promote the physical and mental health of caregivers, with a particular focus on the sense of coherence and its influencing factors among caregivers of children with acute leukaemia. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design and was completed between February and September 2023. We conducted a questionnaire survey using convenience sampling with 287 children with acute leukaemia and their caregivers who were admitted to a children's hospital in Jiangsu Province. Caregivers completed a general information questionnaire, Sense of Coherence Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were analysed using independent sample t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Univariate analysis identified several influencing factors, including caregivers' gender, relationship with children, education level, current work status, family monthly income per capita, cumulative care time, medical payment method, clinical risk classification, self-care ability, and recurrence. Bivariate analysis showed that sense of coherence was positively correlated with social support, positive coping style, and self-efficacy. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that positive coping style, self-efficacy, family monthly income per capita, caregivers' gender, social support, self-care ability, and the caregiver's relationship with the child contributed to the model, collectively explaining 58.1% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: The overall sense of coherence among caregivers of children with acute leukaemia was notably low. According to the identified influencing factors, it is crucial to implement targeted interventions and support caregivers in fully utilising internal and external family resources to promote positive coping strategies and improve their sense of coherence. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.