Kawasaki Disease With Coronary Artery Aneurysms: Psychosocial Impact on Parents and Children

Introduction For those living with Kawasaki disease and coronary artery aneurysms, little is known about the psychosocial burden faced by parents and their children. Methods Exploratory, descriptive, mixed-methods design examining survey and interview data about health-related uncertainty, intrusiveness, and self-efficacy. Results Parents' uncertainty was associated with missed diagnosis, higher income, and maternal education. Higher uncertainty scores among children were associated with absence of chest pain and lower number of echocardiograms. High intrusiveness scores among parents were associated with previous cardiac catheterization, use of anticoagulants, lower parent education and income, and missed diagnosis. High intrusiveness scores among children were associated with high paternal education. Children's total self-efficacy scores increased with chest pain and larger aneurysm size. Qualitative analysis showed two central themes: Psychosocial Struggle and Cautious Optimism. Discussion Negative illness impact is associated with a more intense medical experience and psychosocial limitations. Timely assessment and support are warranted to meet parents' and children's needs.