Mahnaz Ghaljeh, Sally Pezaro, Marjan Mardani-Hamooleh
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Child cancer impacts the entire family. However, those who identify as mothers may be most negatively affected due to the societal expectations placed upon them in primary caregiving. This study was conducted with the aim of exploring the lived experiences of mothers of children with cancer and their adaptation to their child's illness.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative and hermeneutic approach using Heideggerian phenomenology as a philosophical framework. Our sampling strategy was purposive. Mothers (n = 14) of children diagnosed with cancer participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The seven-steps of critical hermeneutic analysis were used to summarize and interpret findings.
Results: Analysis revealed that participants' adaptation to their child's illness occurs through comprehensive support and the utilization of empowering beliefs. The theme of comprehensive support included sub-themes of seeking informational support, seeking psychological support, and seeking social support. The theme of utilizing empowering beliefs encompassed sub-themes of resilience against cultural misconceptions and reliance on spiritual beliefs. Furthermore, one constitutive pattern 'mothers' efforts to overcome difficult twists and turns in living with children with cancer' was identified.This related to participants' striving to navigate the twists and turns of life's hardships.
Conclusions: Relationships and social context are vital and important features of this phenomena. Employing a team approach to provide comprehensive support to mothers of children with cancer involving physicians, nurses, and psychologists can be supportive in their adaptation to their child's cancer. Additionally, reductions in cultural taboos surrounding cancer could facilitate improved adaptation to childhood cancer for these mothers.
期刊介绍:
BMC Women''s Health is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that considers articles on all aspects of the health and wellbeing of adolescent girls and women, with a particular focus on the physical, mental, and emotional health of women in developed and developing nations. The journal welcomes submissions on women''s public health issues, health behaviours, breast cancer, gynecological diseases, mental health and health promotion.