Abstract
Introduction: Harmful nature of epilepsy can affect the patient and their parent. Stigma, arising from it, affects the patient and their family. To relieve it understanding the experiences of the parent are useful. This study was aimed at understanding the experiences of parent of child with epilepsy in Iran. Methods: In this interpretative phenomenological study, 10 parents who took care of their child with epilepsy were participated. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. After transcription, data were analyzed using Van Manen’s method. Results: Family stigma emerged as a main theme in data analysis with three subthemes including becoming verbally abusive, a dull and heavy shadowed look, and associates interference. Conclusion: Family stigma is a major challenge for parents of child with epilepsy need to special attention by health system. Nurses, as a big part of the system, can play an important role to manage this problem.
Highlights
Harmful nature of epilepsy can affect the patient and their parent
Stigma emerged as a main theme for this study
There were three subthemes for family stigma as becoming verbally abusive, a dull and heavy shadowed look, and associates interference. - Becoming verbally abusive One of the factors that lead to parent stigma of children with epilepsy was the verbal abuse by others
Summary
Harmful nature of epilepsy can affect the patient and their parent. Stigma, arising from it, affects the patient and their family. Epilepsy leads to psychological problems such as mental disorders, mood disorders, suicide and social isolation, feelings of shame and guilt, low self-esteem, anxiety, pessimism about life, and stigma.[6] Many problems that the child faced with impact on the family and they may experience the low self-esteem than peers, psychological and learning problems.[7]. Their family may have many problems such as anxiety, depression, feelings of guilt, anger, hopelessness and shame.[8] they have sleep disorder, high level of stress and low quality of life. Based on a study in Iran only 28% of participants was agree with marrying with a person who has a epilepsy.[12]
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