Support Needs of Parents of Children With Congenital Anomalies Across Europe: A EUROlinkCAT Survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Parents and carers of children with congenital anomalies can experience stress when managing their child's healthcare needs. It is important that they are well supported. This study explored the support needs of parents/carers of children with a congenital anomaly across Europe.

Methods

We developed a cross-sectional online survey to measure parents' experiences of support at diagnosis and in subsequent years. We recruited parents/carers of children (0-10 years) with cleft lip, congenital heart defect requiring surgery, Down syndrome and/or spina bifida, online via relevant organisations in 10 European countries (March-July 2021).

Results

A total of 1109 parents/carers were recruited in Poland (n = 476), the United Kingdom (n = 120), Germany (n = 97), Belgi

SUBMITTER: Marcus E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12411889 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature