Highlights
- •The mothers described caregiving demands in meeting their children's needs, causing them to abandon other responsibilities
- •The mothers reported withdrawal from social occasions, mainly because of the offensive comments from others
- •The mothers reported feelings of uncertainty and concerns about the child's future, and considering abortion as a solution
- •Receiving support from their significant others and gaining knowledge were important factors to easing their adaptation process
Abstract
Background
Available literature showed that mothers of children with hydrocephalus experience
many challenges. Studies that described mothers' experiences in caring for their children
with hydrocephalus are limited. Understanding the mothers' experiences and challenges
is essential and may enable the provision of increased knowledge and support for these
mothers.
Aim
The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Jordanian mothers of
children with hydrocephalus.
Methodology
A phenomenological descriptive approach was applied in this study, using semi-structured
interviews with a purposive sample of 10 mothers of children with hydrocephalus. Transcribed
interviews were analyzed using thematic approach.
Result
Three main themes that explored the mothers' experiences emerged from the data analysis
process. The first theme was the impact of living with a child with hydrocephalus.
Four subthemes comprise this theme; namely the mothers' initial response, overwhelming
responsibilities, social withdrawal, and adapting: loving the baby and growing stronger.
The second theme was related to the support system. Two subthemes compose this theme;
the role of husband, and social support. The last theme was related to feelings of
uncertainty. Two subthemes constitute this theme; concerns about the child's future
and considering abortion as a solution.
Conclusion
The mothers in this study were found to have experienced many intense feelings and
to have faced many stressors and difficulties associated with the different stages
of their child's illness. This study provides evidence that could be used to develop
guidelines to support mothers of children with hydrocephalus.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 29, 2022
Accepted:
December 24,
2022
Received in revised form:
December 24,
2022
Received:
June 15,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
