PEDIATRIC HOME CARE: THE LABOR CONTRIBUTION OF INFORMAL SYSTEM CAREGIVERS WHO FOREGO EARNINGS TO CARE FOR VENTILATOR-DEPENDENT CHILDREN.
Contributors: University of Pennsylvania.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 225
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Economics, Theory.
Description: The purpose of this study was to describe ventilator-dependent children and informal system caregivers residing in households in which the principal caregiver reported loss of income, to compare them with a sample who did not report loss of income, to calculate the magnitude of lost income, and to identify child and caregiver characteristics which effect lost income. Data for a sample of 98 subjects were drawn from the Ventilator Assisted Children Program Evaluation Project. Children whose caregivers reported lost income were statistically more likely to have a cap on insurance coverage, to have less improvement in physical activity status, and to live in households with two parents. Sample selection bias resulted in an overrepresentation of two parent families (86%) and an underrepresentation of single parent families (14%). Principal caregivers of these children were more likely to be married, have fewer health problems, to report more out of pocket expenses, and to report a more intense family financial impact associated with the child's home care. Logistic regression was used to investigate the child and caregiver characteristics which effect loss of income. Using this technique, it was demonstrated that loss of income was five times more likely to occur in single parent households (p $<$.05). Other characteristics which showed a trend for an association with lost income included lower child severity of illness, higher principal caregiver potential market earnings, fewer available other informal system caregivers, and lower family wealth. A comprehensive hospital discharge plan for ventilator-dependent children and informal system caregivers should include financial planning and budgeting information, time management strategies, and career counseling.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-06, Section: B, page: 3126.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1995.

School code: 0175.