Challenges experienced by mothers caring for children with cerebral palsy in Zambia.

Carol Singogo,Anthea Rhoda,Margaret Mweshi

doi:10.4102/sajp.v71i1.274

Carol Singogo, Anthea Rhoda + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v71i1.274

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Abstract

BackgroundMothers caring for children with disability experience a number of challenges.AimThe aim of the study was to explore the challenges that mothers who cared for children with cerebral palsy (CP) living in Zambia experienced.MethodsDuring a qualitative study the experiences of 16 conveniently sampled mothers of children with CP, from the Ndola district in Zambia, were explored by means of interviews. The responses were thematically analysed. All the necessary ethical considerations were upheld.ResultsMothers experienced social isolation and marital problems, as well as negative attitudes from family, friends, community members and health care professionals. The physical environment created access challenges because of a lack of sidewalks, ramps, functioning lifts and small indoor spaces.ConclusionMothers of children with CP feel socially isolated owing to a lack of support from family, community members, and health care providers. This social isolation was exacerbated by attitudes of others towards the mothers; it was felt that mothers were responsible for their children's condition. Mothers also experienced marital problems as a result of having a child with CP.

Highlights

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of neurological impairment in children, and can be associated with lifelong disability (Brannen & Heflinger 2006; Pakula, Van Naarden Braun & Yeargin-Allsopp 2009)
Because of the functional limitations experienced, some children with CP are dependent on others for assistance with daily activities, which leads to long-term caregiving that far exceeds the usual needs of typically developing children (Resch et al 2010)
The themes that emerged were physical challenges experienced by the mothers, social isolation, perceived causes of CP, physical access challenges, marital problems and challenges with the health care system

Summary

Introduction

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of neurological impairment in children, and can be associated with lifelong disability (Brannen & Heflinger 2006; Pakula, Van Naarden Braun & Yeargin-Allsopp 2009). Because of the functional limitations experienced, some children with CP are dependent on others for assistance with daily activities, which leads to long-term caregiving that far exceeds the usual needs of typically developing children (Resch et al 2010). Mothers who care for their children with CP experience many challenges. The challenges include psychological ones owing to caregiver demands and uncertainties (Glasscoe et al 2007; Sajedi et al 2010) and physical health challenges that emanate from excessive stress and through constantly assisting their children in activities of daily living (Tonga & Duger 2008). Mothers caring for children with disability experience a number of challenges

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