Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2002;2(1):29-35.

ISSUE Cover

The experience of being the brother of a sick and hospitalized child: an analysis of the literature

DOI: 10.31508/1676-3793200200003

Abstract

The aim of this job was the analysis of the scientific literature on nursing regarding the experience of brothers of sick and hospitalized children. Sixteen articles were accessed, most of them being North American studies. The analysis of the results enabled the identification of the following themes: “Feelings and behavior of brothers of sick children”, “The needs of the brothers of sick and hospitalized children”, “Coping strategies put forth by the brothers of sick and hospitalized children” and “Behavior of the parents towards the brothers of sick and hospitalized children”. The results show that the experience of the children during the sickness and hospitalization of a brother is quite difficult. The authors suggest nursing interventions so as to reduce the stress occurring from this situation, such as offering social supportive measures considered essential by the children and their parents, set out strategies which facilitate communication between the family members and exert more power on the coping efforts of both the children and the family.