Experiences of Mothers With Physical Disabilities in the Care of Their Children and Their Expectations From Nurses

Abstract

Background and Purpose:The study aims to determine the experiences of Turkish mothers with physical disabilities in the care of their children and their expectations from nurses in this process and ensure the establishment of strategic recommendations for nurses in line with these expectations.Methods:This qualitative descriptive study included 21 mothers with physical disabilities of nondisabled children aged 0–18 years. Data analysis was conducted using the traditional content analysis method in the Max Qualitative Data Analysis Analytics Pro 2020 program.Results:Six themes were obtained from the analysis. Of the six themes determined, the themes “Prenatal Emotions and the Need for Support,” “Postpartum Emotions and Childcare,” “Strategies Facilitating the Care Process,” “Child’s Safety,” “Advantages and Disadvantages,” and “Expectations and Recommendations” are related to childcare, while the theme “Expectations and Recommendations” is related to expectations from nurses and other healthcare professionals and recommendations to mothers with physical disabilities.Implications for Practice:The participants stated that nurses’ training and attempts to provide information related to their needs resulting from physical disabilities were limited.