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International Journal of Mental Health Systems

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Caregiver experiences of public services following child trauma exposure: a qualitative study

Authors: Victoria Williamson, Sarah L. Halligan, Bronwyne Coetzee, Ian Butler, Mark Tomlinson, Sarah Skeen, Jackie Stewart

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Many children in low and middle income countries (LMIC) are exposed to trauma. Contact with public services are a potential influence on parent–child reactions and coping post-trauma. Little is known about how caregivers perceive these interactions.

Methods

The aim of this study was to explore caregivers’ experiences of accessing and interacting with public services post-trauma and perceptions of needed improvements to public services in a LMIC context. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 female caregivers from a high-risk settlement in South Africa after child trauma exposure.

Results

Three themes and seven sub-themes were identified regarding caregivers’ perceptions of interactions with public services post-trauma. The key themes identified related to (1) communication and exchanges with law enforcement, (2) consequences of an under-resourced justice system and (3) importance of communication and empathy in the healthcare system. Interactions with police were often positive. However, caregivers explained that police-family communication post-trauma could be improved and may help to lessen caregiver anxiety and concerns for the child’s safety post-trauma. Caregivers perceived the judicial system to be under-resourced as contact with the judicial system was often protracted and caused child anxiety and distress. Medical treatment was reportedly rushed, with extensive waiting times and little information provided to caregivers regarding the child’s injuries or treatment. Some medical staff were perceived as unsympathetic during the child’s treatment which was found to exacerbate caregiver and child distress post-trauma.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into caregiver experiences of accessing public services following child trauma exposure in a high-risk LMIC context. Public services were perceived as oversubscribed and under-resourced and negative interactions often influenced caregiver responses and appraisals of child safety. Given the impact of poor interactions with public services on families post-trauma, additional research is needed to investigate feasible improvements to public services in LMIC.

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Title: Caregiver experiences of public services following child trauma exposure: a qualitative study
Authors: Victoria Williamson
Sarah L. Halligan
Bronwyne Coetzee
Ian Butler
Mark Tomlinson
Sarah Skeen
Jackie Stewart
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-018-0190-6

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Caregiver experiences of public services following child trauma exposure: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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