Construct of self-efficacy in mothers of highly complex chronic children: A qualitative study

Background and purpose

Currently, a great number of parents of children with complex chronic diseases care for them at home, facing important challenges. This study aims to describe the process of building self-efficacy in mothers who provide direct care to children with complex, chronic illnesses.

Method

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using Krippendorff's content analysis. The purposive sample of 32 mothers was contacted through their children's health care teams. The inclusion criteria were to be a mother over 18 years of age, caring at home for a child under 10 years of age with a complex chronic illness, and living in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Data collection was undertaken through semi-structured audio-recorded interviews, after consent was given. The transcribed interviews were analyzed separately by each researcher to triangulate the findings and identify categories, ultimately achieving data saturation.

Results

Mothers build their self-efficacy based on Intrinsic factors: 1) Personal strength, 2) Confidence in their abilities, 3) Motivation to care, and 4) Satisfaction with providing good care, and Extrinsic factors: 1) Support from others, 2) Accompaniment from professional teams, 3) Connection with the spiritual, and 4) Link with their children.

Conclusions

Mothers develop their self-efficacy over time, enabling them to provide quality, timely, and safe care, as well as to face complex situations. In terms of implications for practice, health teams, particularly nurses, should educate and support them in home care, prioritizing their well-being. The primary nursing model would be a relevant strategy to implement and favor accompaniment.