Siblings of children with JIA may be at higher risk for anxiety

ORLANDO, Fla. — Female and younger siblings of children who have been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis are at higher risk of anxiety compared with children whose siblings have not been diagnosed, according to data presented here at the Rheumatology Nurses Society Annual Conference.

“The nurse could share the findings of this study to encourage parents to make sure the unaffected child does not feel left out or uninformed and provide the family with educational material for the sibling without arthritis. By using anticipatory guidance, the nurse could prepare the family and make them aware that these concerns may arise,” Maria Cusano-Sanzo, DNP, RN-BC, CPN, of Sacred Heart University College of Nursing, wrote in the abstract.

Cusano-Sanzo studied the relationship of self-reported anxiety levels and demographic characteristics among 27 siblings (12 female siblings and 15 male siblings) of children who had been previously diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Siblings were between the ages of 8 years and 15 years and were assessed by a one-sample t-test and the 44-item Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS). Parents filled out a survey about demographics.

Results showed the siblings of patients with JIA scored 10.6 points higher than non-clinical children of similar age. To compare the average raw score of children in this study to the average raw score of 14.3 achieved by non-clinical children, investigators conducted a one sample t-test.

Researchers estimated a significant relationship between SCAS score and gender, as well as SCAS score and age. Differences in SCAS scores were higher for female siblings compared with male siblings, as well as higher for younger siblings 8 years to 10 years compared with older siblings.

“Practice policy changes should be made to incorporate siblings in the education of the disease states, not only for JIA, but other chronic diseases as well,” Cusano-Sanzo wrote. – by Kristine Houck, MA, ELS

Reference:

Cusano-Sanzo M. Screening for anxiety in siblings of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Poster #1. Presented at: Rheumatology Nurses Society Annual Conference; Aug. 9-12, 2017; Orlando, Fla.

Disclosure: Cusano-Sanzo reports no relevant financial disclosures.