Narrative Medicine Journaling to Reduce Anxiety in Parents of Children With Urogenital Conditions

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to find out whether a guided journaling program can reduce stress and anxiety in parents of children with urogenital conditions, such as differences of sex development and hypospadias. The study seeks to understand if journaling helps lower anxiety levels and gather parents views on group-based writing support programs for the future. Participants will receive a physical journal containing five writing prompts designed to help them process emotions related to their childs condition. They will complete five journal entries over several weeks, spending 15 to 20 minutes on each writing session at least once per week. This single-arm study includes baseline and follow-up anxiety assessments, plus a 30 to 45-minute interview after finishing the journaling to discuss effects on stress and gather feedback. During the study, parents will complete the General Anxiety Disorder-7 GAD-7 questionnaire at the start and after the journaling period, about six weeks later. They will also participate in an interview to assess changes in anxiety and coping strategies. Researchers will evaluate changes in anxiety scores and the acceptability of the journaling program. Total participation lasts about six weeks.

Breaking Silence Through Story: A Narrative Medicine Intervention for Parents of Children With Urogenital Conditions