Beyond the Child: A Systematic Review of Parental Wellbeing and Family Functioning in Paediatric Colorectal Conditions
In brief
Nine studies report family stress around childhood bowel conditions, but adaptation varies
A review of nine studies found that parents and families of children treated for anorectal malformations or Hirschsprung disease faced psychological distress, parenting stress and caregiving burdens, especially when bowel dysfunction or faecal incontinence continued. Families varied widely in how they adapted, and differences between studies limited firm conclusions; longer-term, family-centred research is needed to guide care.
- Journal
- Journal of pediatric surgery (Q1)
- Published
- 12 October 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review of cohort studies
- Evidence level
- Level 2, Moderate (CEBM 2a)
- Authors
- Caryn Koo, Sadie Chiu, Sebastian K King, Frank Muscara, Misel Trajanovska
- PMID
- 42860148
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.163523
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Pediatric Surgery (paper of the day, 13 October 2026): Systematic review of parental wellbeing in ARM and HD
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Families of children with anorectal malformation (ARM) and Hirschsprung disease (HD) often experience ongoing caregiving demands extending beyond the child's medical management. This systematic review aimed to synthesise quantitative literature examining parental wellbeing and family functioning outcomes among families of children with ARM or HD. METHODS: Using the PRISMA protocol, a systematic search was conducted across Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Eligible studies included quantitative studies evaluating psychosocial outcomes relating to parents or families of children (aged <18 years) surgically treated for ARM or HD. Data extraction and quality appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool were completed independently by two reviewers. RESULTS: From 1205 records identified, nine studies met inclusion criteria and were synthesised without meta-analysis due to methodological heterogeneity. Across studies, families reported challenges relating to psychological wellbeing, parenting stress, caregiving burden, and family functioning, particularly in the context of ongoing bowel dysfunction and faecal incontinence. However, there was also considerable variability in resilience and adaptation among families. DISCUSSION: Current evidence suggested that ARM and HD may have significant psychosocial impacts on the broader family unit. Future research should prioritise longitudinal and family-centred approaches to better inform integrated models of biopsychosocial care.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.