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Journal of Public Health

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01-10-2021 | Original Article

Lived experience of mothers of children with disabilities: a qualitative study of Iran

Authors: Javad Yoosefi lebni, Arash Ziapour, Bahar Khosravi, Zahra Rahimi khalifeh kandi

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Aim

Having a child with disabilities at home poses many problems and tensions for all family members to various degrees. However, mothers are the ones most at risk of issues arising from caring for children with disabilities, due to their stronger emotional relationships. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the lived experience of mothers of children with disabilities in Iran.

Methods

In this qualitative phenomenological study, the statistical population consisted of mothers of children with disabilities residing in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, from which 17 subjects were selected through targeted sampling and studied using in-depth interviewing. Sampling continued to the point of data saturation, and simultaneous with interviews, Colaizzi’s method was applied for data analysis.

Results

The results of the present study revealed that the lived experience of mothers of children with disabilities included two main themes, namely inter-personal experiences and social experiences. It was also demonstrated that the lived experience of mothers of children with disabilities had eight sub-themes: feelings of guilt, loss of opportunities, maternal sacrifice, worrying about the future, feelings of guilt about other children, social isolation, lack of socioeconomic support, and stigma.

Conclusion

The results of the present study provide a framework for understanding the life problems of mothers with children with disabilities, and could be used for supporting mothers emotionally and socially, and for improving their lifestyles.

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Title: Lived experience of mothers of children with disabilities: a qualitative study of Iran
Authors: Javad Yoosefi lebni
Arash Ziapour
Bahar Khosravi
Zahra Rahimi khalifeh kandi
Publication date: 01-10-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-020-01215-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Lived experience of mothers of children with disabilities: a qualitative study of Iran

Abstract

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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