The purpose of this study is to: 1) describe the types of non-reimbursable, nonmedical, direct expenses incurred by North Central families of children with cancer, and 2) determine the amount of money families spend for these expenses.
A descriptive-correlation design was used in a survey of twenty-five families (n=25) obtained from a North Central Pediatric Oncology clinic and affiliated hospital. After informed consent, a family questionnaire and a seven day financial log were mailed. Follow-up phone calls were made to answer questions.
Children's ages ranged from six months to twenty-two years. Diagnostic categories included acute lymphocytic leukemia (n=7), acute my locytic leukemia (n=2), solid tumors (n=4), brain tumors (n=3), lymphomas (n=3), and histiocytosis (n=l).
Categories of expenses included food, travel, lodging, clothing, child care, and miscellaneous items. Weekly expenditures ranged from 0-$698 (x $233.15). The total amount of lost income since the time of diagnosis ranged fi-om 0-$30,000. Positive correlations were found between the level of care, level of concern and the total amount spent.
It was discovered that the higher the amount spent, the greater the level of financial concern. Also, coping decreased as the amount spent increased. This leads to the conclusion that childhood cancer can create a financial burden due in part to non reimbursable expenses and lost income.
At this time, few resources are available to provide reimbursement for non-medical expenses. Changes need to be made in our system of taxing and insuring to assist families to meet these expenses and help to alleviate some of the stress they encounter.
The purpose of this study is to: 1) describe the types of non-reimbursable, nonmedical, direct expenses incurred by North Central families of children with cancer, and 2) determine the amount of money families spend for these expenses.
A descriptive-correlation design was used in a survey of twenty-five families (n=25) obtained from a North Central Pediatric Oncology clinic and affiliated hospital. After informed consent, a family questionnaire and a seven day financial log were mailed. Follow-up phone calls were made to answer questions.
Children's ages ranged from six months to twenty-two years. Diagnostic categories included acute lymphocytic leukemia (n=7), acute my locytic leukemia (n=2), solid tumors (n=4), brain tumors (n=3), lymphomas (n=3), and histiocytosis (n=l).
Categories of expenses included food, travel, lodging, clothing, child care, and miscellaneous items. Weekly expenditures ranged from 0-$698 (x $233.15). The total amount of lost income since the time of diagnosis ranged fi-om 0-$30,000. Positive correlations were found between the level of care, level of concern and the total amount spent.
It was discovered that the higher the amount spent, the greater the level of financial concern. Also, coping decreased as the amount spent increased. This leads to the conclusion that childhood cancer can create a financial burden due in part to non reimbursable expenses and lost income.
At this time, few resources are available to provide reimbursement for non-medical expenses. Changes need to be made in our system of taxing and insuring to assist families to meet these expenses and help to alleviate some of the stress they encounter.
The purpose of this study is to: 1) describe the types of non-reimbursable, nonmedical, direct expenses incurred by North Central families of children with cancer, and 2) determine the amount of money families spend for these expenses.
A descriptive-correlation design was used in a survey of twenty-five families (n=25) obtained from a North Central Pediatric Oncology clinic and affiliated hospital. After informed consent, a family questionnaire and a seven day financial log were mailed. Follow-up phone calls were made to answer questions.
Children's ages ranged from six months to twenty-two years. Diagnostic categories included acute lymphocytic leukemia (n=7), acute my locytic leukemia (n=2), solid tumors (n=4), brain tumors (n=3), lymphomas (n=3), and histiocytosis (n=l).
Categories of expenses included food, travel, lodging, clothing, child care, and miscellaneous items. Weekly expenditures ranged from 0-$698 (x $233.15). The total amount of lost income since the time of diagnosis ranged fi-om 0-$30,000. Positive correlations were found between the level of care, level of concern and the total amount spent.
It was discovered that the higher the amount spent, the greater the level of financial concern. Also, coping decreased as the amount spent increased. This leads to the conclusion that childhood cancer can create a financial burden due in part to non reimbursable expenses and lost income.
At this time, few resources are available to provide reimbursement for non-medical expenses. Changes need to be made in our system of taxing and insuring to assist families to meet these expenses and help to alleviate some of the stress they encounter.