The Ripple Effect: A Qualitative Overview of Challenges When Growing Up in Families Affected by Huntington's Disease.

backgroundThe average age for the onset of Huntington's disease (HD) is an age when many people have children and caretaking responsibilities; HD is therefore likely to impact the whole family, including children and adolescents. Despite an increased understanding of the challenges for young people of growing up in a family affected by HD, a continuing lack of available knowledge has led to inadequate youth-focused support in many countries.

objectiveThis study explored the risks of growing up in a family affected by HD, and provided a participant-generated overview of the main challenges the participants experienced, in order to enhance awareness and promote more youth-focused support.

methodsAs part of a larger national study, this qualitative paper included 36 semi-structured interviews with young people and adults who had previous or current experiences of growing up in families affected by HD. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

resultsThe participants described challenges relating to four main domains of everyday life: family functioning, emotions and reactions, social functioning, and public and care services.

conclusionThis study contributes to an increased understanding of risk factors posed on young people by growing up with a parent with HD. The study highlighted challenges in several areas of life presenting a risk to the overall health and functioning of young people. We propose that this knowledge should be applied within a bioecological framework, to increase understanding and promote awareness of the possible risks posed, for young people, by HD.