Influence of Amigurumi on the emotional wellbeing of childhood cancer caregivers

Title of the project  Influence of amigurumi on the emotional wellbeing of childhood cancer caregivers

Type of Study   educational intervention

Aim The aim of this research is to explore the benefit of amigurumi training on the emotional wellbeing of childhood cancer caregivers

Objectives

Objective 1 To design a customized Amigurumi module for childhood cancer caregivers

Objective 2 To explore the benefit of Amigurumi training among childhood cancer caregivers.

Objective 3 To assess the experiences of participating in Amigurumi training on childhood cancer caregivers

 Departments involved

Recruitment site Accesslife Manipal

Coordinating departments

Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology KMC Manipal

Department of Design MSAP Manipal

Department of Occupation Therapy MCHP Manipal

Study period 2years

Sample size

Quantitative 40 respondents

Qualitative 20 or until theoretical data saturation participants will be recruited

Materials crochet hook and yarn.

Recruitment of sample The quantitative and qualitative study will be done using purposive sampling sample survey

The geographic selection of this study is based on the research question Can amigurumi influence the emotional wellbeing of caregivers of children with cancer

Target Population Childhood cancer caregivers This study focuses on caregivers who are caring for children with cancer These caregivers often face overwhelming emotional and physical challenges in their caregiving roles making them the ideal group to explore whether amigurumi can provide a meaningful support and improve their wellbeing

Amigurumi As an art of toy making could be an expression of the bond with the parent and child It is a portable and affordable art which may render its therapeutic benefits anywhere and anytime Hence an art which can connect and build emotional wellbeing is being explored in this study

Accessible Population To make the study practical, participants will be recruited through Accesslife, a community organization that supports caregivers of children with cancer As this study will be conducted for a long period of at least one and a half yearsThe proximity of the places allows the researcher to connect directly with a group of caregivers who are readily accessible and willing to participate

Geographic FocusThe community selected for this study has families from various backgrounds and different places hence a diverse group of caregivers will be found Hence the geographic selection of this study is based on the research question, ensuring that the study has an accessible population  representing a broader target population while maintaining practical feasibility

Assessment plan

Quantitative

Frequency tables and percentages will be used to describe the categorical data The quantitative variables in the study will be described using the mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range after an assessment of the skewness Parametric tests including two sample independent t test will be used to facilitate comparisons in the outcome variable across the sociodemographic groups Appropriate non parametric tests will be used if the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variance are violated Furthermore paired t tests or their non parametric variants  subject to violation of assumptions will be used to assess the influence of the intervention. Allstatistical analyses will be carried out using Jamovi The researcher will compile items from tools appropriate to assess respite wellbeing of the caregivers and make changes to suit the needs of Amigurumi The researcher will also develop the template for a log book to obtain data from participants

Qualitative  Once the transcription and translation of the qualitative study have been completed deductive codes from the objectives questions and literature will be taken Inductive codes emerging will also be listed Codes will be then cleaned or merged by comparing This will be further categorized into a family of codes and networked Depending on the type of data obtained suitable analysis will be done and interpreted

Feasibility study

Key Idea Amigurumi is not just about creating a toy It is about giving caregivers a moment of peace purpose and healing amidst their caregiving journey Keeping this thought in mind and to avoid selection bias a short finger knitting session was conducted on Sunday the 5 January 2025 at Accesslife

Method Finger Knitting with its rhythmic nature is known to have therapeutic benefits A hands on training of the same was introduced to a group of 4 participants The mathematical implications and the therapeutic benefits of the same were explained during the session

Discussion The management and people associated with the centre have expressed the need for such similar sessions To create moments of self care that could help rejuvenate caregivers  with their ongoing responsibilities