Health perceptions of mothers of children with chronic conditions.

Abstract

This descriptive, inductive study was designed to identify health perceptions as described by mothers of children with chronic conditions. Qualitative data were collected in semistructured, open-ended interviews of 3 mothers in their homes. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Each transcription was reviewed independently by the researcher and an impartial judge. Themes were derived from the rich descriptions of the mothers' perceptions of: (a) their experience of having a child with a chronic condition; (b) personal health; and (c) their child's health in chronicity.