Risikofaktoren bei Geschwistern chronisch kranker/behinderter Kinder

BACKGROUND: Siblings of children with chronic health conditions or disabilities have an increased risk for developmental difficulties. Therefore, preventive programs aimed to facilitate resiliency were developed. OBJECTIVES: This study intends to investigate the condition-related psychological, social, and economic burdens of families taking part in prevention programs. Moreover, whether other potential sociodemographic risk factors exist among participating siblings was also investigated. METHODS: A total of 79 families of participating children were included. The Impact on Family Scale and a demographic questionnaire were used. The cumulative risk approach was used to analyze sociodemographic risk. RESULTS: Participating families reported being more burdened by the health condition/disability compared to norm data. Additional sociodemographic risk factors were found for 56% of the children. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive programs reach burdened families. Sibling support should be developed further.