Emotional aspects of parents of children with dysphagia

Abstract

Dysphagia is a common swallowing disorder in the pediatric population, which may influence the quality of life and well-being of the family. The literature points to stress, guilt, and social isolation of family members. However, the management of psychosocial aspects involved in the treatment of pediatric dysphagia is rarely discussed. This study aimed to carry out an integrative review of the literature regarding the emotional aspects of parents of children with dysphagia. Therefore a search in the databases SciELO and PubMed was made, from January 2013 to June 2020, using the descriptors in Health Sciences (DeCs): "deglutition disorders" and "child". The search was performed with English and Portuguese language limiters using associated descriptors. The selection of the studies was performed by reading the title, abstract and, if necessary, full text, applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 2,169 publications, and 8 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were examined according to the author, type of study, goals, emotional aspects involved in the treatment of swallowing disorders, and conclusions. The analysis was performed according to the presence of certain variables of the emotional aspects presented in the face of swallowing disorders, namely, parental stress, negative impact on parent/child interaction, guilt and frustration, and social isolation. The literature points out that pediatric dysphagia causes an emotional impact on the parents; indicating that it is necessary to offer emotional support and to adapt the clinical management to the different demands present in the clinic.