Effect of a Parent’s Chronic Illness Diagnosis on the Psychosocial Well-being of Children in Bugobero Town Council, Manafwa District

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Date

2025-08-19

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Uganda Christian University

Abstract

The prevalence of uninterrupted and exceedingly low psychosocial wellbeing of children has continued to attract global attention as one of the most serious socio-economic problem that require addressing. This study sought to determine the effect of a parent’s chronic illness diagnosis on psychosocial wellbeing of children in Bugobero Town council, Manafwa District. And three specific objectives guided the study which included a) To explore the various chronic diseases that exist in Bugobero Town council, Manafwa District b) To determine the effect of a parent’s chronic illness diagnosis on psychosocial wellbeing of children in Bugobero Town council, Manafwa District and c) To determine interventions for reducing the effect of the effect of a parent’s chronic illness diagnosis on psychosocial wellbeing of children in Bugobero Town council, Manafwa District. The study used qualitative case study design to analyse data from the study area with the help of both qualitative and quantitative methods. The researcher collected data from 15 respondents in the study area who were selected using simple random and purpose sampling and questionnaires together with interview guide were used to collect data. The study found that HIV/AIDS is a prevalent chronic disease. Others included diabetes, heart disease and stroke are a common chronic disease today. Findings also revealed that children whose parents are chronically ill are more likely to show internalizing problems like anxious, depressed, and withdrawn behaviors and somatic complaints usually experience the potential negative impact of insecure attachment. Also parental chronic illness was associated with higher levels of adolescent stress and increased risk of reduced family functioning and social-emotional and behavioral problems in children. It was also discovered that parental chronic illness can compromise a parent’s ability to care. Findings further indicate that improving attachment between parents and peers can mitigate the risk of future mental health problems, including internalizing problems and public health programs are effective in reducing mortality rates associated chronic illness and enhancing psychosocial wellbeing of children. Findings also show that promoting interaction between well-intentioned policy and health services on the one hand, and patients and their families on the other is seldom a seamless process and prevention is effective in reducing the effect of chronic conditions; in particular, early detection results in less severe psychosocial outcomes. The study recommended that government and stakeholders should sensitize the community of the dangers of a parent’s chronic illness diagnosis on psychosocial wellbeing of children and in conjunction with local leaders should put in place measures that enhance psychosocial wellbeing of children. There is need to strengthen family relationships. This will go a long way in mitigating problems a parent’s chronic illness diagnosis on psychosocial wellbeing of children.

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