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. 2021 Nov 16;181(3):1185–1196. doi: 10.1007/s00431-021-04314-6

Table 2.

Parent and child characteristics of parents (n = 17), ill children (n = 15) and families (n = 14)

Number (N) Percentages (%)
Parent gender
Male 3 18
Female 14 82
Age parent
30–39 6 35
40–49 7 41
 > 50 4 24
Country of residence
United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland) 9 52
Republic of Ireland 8 47
Work status
Full time 11 65
Part time 3 18
Stay at home parent, special leave, sick leave 3 18
Ethnicity
White British 6 35
White Irish 7 41
White other 2 12
Black Caribbean 2 12
Religious affiliation
No religion 6 35
Atheist 1 6
Protestant 1 6
Catholic 4 24
Other Christian 4 24
Other religion or belief system 1 6
Partnership status at time of pACP initiation
Married/cohabiting 17 100
Current partnership status
Married/cohabiting 17 100
In a relationship with child’s other parent at time of pACP discussion
Yes 14 82
No 3 18
In a relationship with child’s other parent now
Yes 14 82
No 3 18
Highest level of education
Secondary school 3 18
Trade/vocational 1 6
Graduate degree 8 47
Post graduate degree 5 29
Child diagnosis (n = 15)
Brain tumour 4 27
DMD 2 13
Rare genetic 3 20
Epileptic syndrome 1 7
Genetic progressive neurological 1 7
Batten disease 1 7
Trisomy 2 13
Mucopolysaccharide (MPS) diseases 1 7
Child age at diagnosis (n = 15)
Antenatal 2 13
0–11 months 6 40
1–5 years 5 43
6–12 1 7
13–18 1 7
Age child at initiation discussion (n = 15)
Antenatal 2 13
0–11 months 3 20
1–5 years 2 13
6–12 4 27
13–18 4 27
Child gender
Female 6 40
Male 9 60
Child current age
Deceased 11 73
1–5 years 1 7
6–12 1 7
13–18 2 13
Age child died (n = 11)
0–11 months 3 27
1–5 years 3 27
6–12 1 9
13–18 2 18
 ≥ 18 2 18
Time between death and interview (n = 11)
6–11 months 1* 9
Over 1 year but less than 2 2 18
Over 2 years but less than 3 1 9
Over 3 years but less than 4 2** 18
Over 4 years but less than 5 2 18
Fifth year 3 27
Other children in family
Yes 14 100
Other child deceased 1
Other children under 4 years 7
One child 5–10 years old 8
Two children 5–10 years old 1
One child 11–18 years old 5
Three children 11–18 years old 3
One adult child 1
Two adult children 2

Percentages may not equal 100 due to rounding

*One couple; **Two couples