The sociocultural context of families with a child with myelomeningocele.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe in greater detail the sociocultural context of, and its level of supportiveness for, families with a child with myelomeningocele. Using the Family Management Style framework and a semistructured interview guide, the authors interviewed 30 mothers and fathers in this qualitative study. Families were stratified by age of the child with myelomeningocele. Fifteen categories reflecting components of the sociocultural context were identified. Across the fifteen categories, three major themes emerged: (a) Sharing Information, (b) Interpersonal Interactions, and (c) Supports/Hindrances. Levels of supportiveness across the three themes were described as supportive, moderately supportive, moderately nonsupportive, and nonsupportive. An exemplar case is presented for each. To assist families better, nurses need to assess each family's sociocultural context and its perceived level of supportiveness in the course of managing the child's chronic condition. Families require developmentally appropriate and current information specific to their situations. Interpersonal interactions should be individualized with a goal of empowering the family. Nurses should also determine supports or hindrances that may be modified through the plan of care.