Migrant families’ experiences of participating in the Family Talk Intervention when affected by childhood cancer

Sep 30, 2026

The psychosocial needs of migrant families facing a child’s severe illness are extensive, yet few family-centred interventions have been evaluated for migrant backgrounds. This study explores how migrant families experience participation in the Family Talk Intervention (FTI) in paediatric care. Semi-structured interviews with 14 family members were analysed using thematic network analysis. After FTI, families reported improved stability, closer family ties, and professional, continuously available guidance and information.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Psychosocial impact of severe childhood illness

Migration and double burden in paediatric care

Family Talk Intervention (FTI)

Material and methods

Results

Interpretation

ARTICLE HISTORY

ORIGINAL ARTICLE Migrant families’ experiences of participating in the Family Talk Intervention when affected by childhood cancer Maria Ayouba , Malin Lövgrenb,c , Maja Holmb,d and Camilla Udoa aSchool of Health and Welfare, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden; bDepartment of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden; cAdvanced Pediatric Home Care, Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; dDepartment of Nursing Sciences, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden ABSTRACT Background and purpose: The psychosocial needs of migrant families affected by a child’s severe illness are extensive. However, few family-centred interventions have been evaluated and even fewer have included families with migrant backgrounds. The aim of this study was, therefore, to explore migrant families’ experiences of participating in a family-centred psychosocial intervention, the Family Talk Intervention (FTI), in a paediatric care setting. Material and methods: In this study, semi-structured interviews were performed with 14 family members (six parents, one ill child, and seven siblings) after participating in FTI. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic network analysis. Results: After participating in FTI, the families experienced that, in their already exposed situation, their family stability had increased as they were supported in dealing with social and financial issues, encouraged to talk openly about difficulties, and thus became closer as a family. Both children and parents described the value of having someone professional, continuously available, to turn to for guidance and information. Interpretation: Migrant families dealing with a child’s severe illness live in an exposed situation, with a double burden of distress related to the child’s illness and socioeconomic factors. By acknowledging the importance of these families’ psychosocial needs, it could be recognised that psychosocial support, such as FTI, not only aids family adjustment but also contributes to reducing this double burden, increasing family stability. ARTICLE HISTORY Received 22 September 2025 Accepted 26 November 2025 Published 10 December 2025 KEYWORDS The Family Talk Intervention; migrant families; paediatric care; psychosocial support Introduction Coping with a child’s severe illness is one of the most stressful life-changing events for both the ill child and the whole family. In this study, severe illness refers to conditions that can be classified as life-threatening or life-limiting, such as cancer [1] . The psychosocial sequelae of the child’s illness, and its impact on family life, are explained by altered family dynamics and relationships due to the stressful situation, financial difficulties, uncertainty about the future, and the emotional burden on all family members [2–5] . When considering these illness-related stressors, it is important to acknowledge that certain factors, such as migrant backgrounds, cultural differences, and lower socioeconomic status, might represent a double burden for the family and their psychosocial adjustment [5, 6] . Increased global migration has led to many families either moving with their children or becoming parents in a new country [7] . For instance, in Sweden approximately every third resident has at least one parent with a non-European background, with Arabic-speaking individuals representing the largest group [8]. Many migrant families in Sweden also navigate a prolonged and uncertain residence process, often involving temporary permits and repeated renewals [9]. Considering this worldwide migration, new challenges have arisen in paediatric care, such as managing language barriers and different cultural backgrounds [10, 11] . Migrant families in paediatric care have described unfamiliarity with the healthcare systems in the new country and unmet needs for support [12

FAQs

What was the purpose of the study?

To explore migrant families’ experiences of participating in the Family Talk Intervention (FTI) in a paediatric care setting.

How was the Family Talk Intervention (FTI) evaluated in this study?

The study used semi-structured interviews with 14 family members after they participated in FTI, followed by thematic network analysis.

What changes did families report after participating in FTI?

Families experienced increased family stability, support in handling social and financial issues, encouragement to talk openly about difficulties, and greater closeness within the family.

Sep 30, 2026

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