Psychosocial experiences of mothers caring for children with cerebral palsy in the eThekwini district

Abstract

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent neurological illness in children, and it can cause permanent sensory, motor and cognitive problems for the rest of one’s life. Raising a child with special needs necessitates extensive resources. Women in the middle and lower income brackets are more likely to care for children with CP.

Aim: To explore and describe the psychosocial experiences of mothers of children with CP in eThekwini.

Setting: This study was conducted at KwaZulu-Natal Children’s Hospital and rehabilitation centre.

Methods: The research methods were exploratory and descriptive in nature, with a qualitative approach. Purposive convenience sampling was used to select 12 participants who were parents of children with CP under the age of 18. For data collection, semistructured interviews were utilised. The purpose of thematic analysis is to uncover, analyse and summarise themes and patterns within a data set. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data.

Results: The psychosocial experiences of mothers of children with CP revealed three key themes. Themes included the burden of care, a lack of social support and the impact of children with CP on mothers.

Conclusion: Participants whose children with CP experienced physical, emotional, psychological and social issues, including inaccessible services and buildings and social isolation from family, friends and the community.

Contribution: This study helps to strengthen the development and review of policies on care, support interventions and mother empowerment for children with CP.