How do mothers of adolescents with chronic pain experience their own quality of life?

S Skarstein,A K Bergem,S Helseth

doi:10.1186/s40359-020-00430-4

S Skarstein, A K Bergem + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-020-00430-4

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Journal: BMC psychology	Publication Date: Jun 16, 2020
Citations: 13	License type: open-access

Affiliation: OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan University

Abstract

BackgroundChronic pain is a major health problem globally with severe personal and economic consequences. Maternal chronic pain is associated with their children’s pain. Family pain models and shared environmental aspects are important in the understanding of chronic pain among adolescents. Pain in itself impairs the quality of life (QoL). However, satisfaction in the aspects of health and functioning, social and economic, psychological, and family life will together constitute a person’s subjective experience of QoL. On this background, we considered it important to gain an understanding of the QoL of mothers who have children with chronic pain. We aimed to gain a broader understanding of the QoL in mothers of children with chronic pain and to investigate how they managed their children’s pain.MethodsThis study had a qualitative design with face-to-face, in-depth interviews. The concept of QoL was used as a framework for developing a thematic, semi-structured interview guide. Eight mothers of adolescents with chronic pain (two boys and six girls) participated with signed consent.ResultsSocio-economic difficulties and health complaints were common. Psychological stress, because of their children’s physical pain and other stressful experiences such as bullying, dominated everyday life. Lack of predictability and of responsible involvement from the fathers’ side increased the mothers’ burden considerably. Experiencing not being helped by others such as health professionals resulted in feelings of helplessness.ConclusionsThese mothers had reduced QoL caused by their own health problems, concern for the child’s well-being and lack of social support, which affected the child’s upbringing and pain management. By improving these mothers’ QoL, family-based shared pain management strategies could help in health promotion, leading to a more positive QoL circle. Elements of family and cognitive therapy could be applied when supporting the mothers and children and improving their QoL.

Highlights

Chronic pain is a major health problem globally with severe personal and economic consequences
The literature shows that as many as 15–35% of adolescents suffer from recurrent or chronic pain conditions, which affects their quality of life (QoL) negatively [5]
There is a lack of knowledge about QOL in mothers to adolescents with unspecific pain. We considered it important to gain an understanding of the QoL of mothers who have children with chronic pain

Summary

Introduction

Chronic pain is a major health problem globally with severe personal and economic consequences. Pain models and shared environmental aspects are important in the understanding of chronic pain among adolescents. Pain in itself impairs the quality of life (QoL). Satisfaction in the aspects of health and functioning, social and economic, psychological, and family life will together constitute a person’s subjective experience of QoL. On this background, we considered it important to gain an understanding of the QoL of mothers who have children with chronic pain. Research has supported the importance of social learning factors in influencing children’s pain experiences and it is possible that maternal attitudes influence adolescents’ QoL [10]. Maternal self-medication with non-prescription analgesics influences the use of such medicines among their children, and such maternal behaviour can have an impact on their adolescents’ pain and their reports of pain [11]

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