Mothers' health problems of children with congenital heart disease: a qualitative method

Abstract

Objectives: This study was done to address the physical and mental health problems experienced by mothers of children with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods: This study was conducted by a qualitative approach in 2021 at Yazd Afshar Hospital, in which 10 mothers were selected by purposive sampling technique. A semi-structured interview was used to collect data, and data analysis was performed through conventional content analysis. Two university lecturers determined the validity of the interview questions, and the reliability of the data was verified by a researcher trained in coding.

Results: Data analysis identified the base theme i.e. the threat to health, and subthemes including physical and psychological problems of the parent(s).  Components of subthemes consisted of physical manifestations, physical self-harm, anxiety and worry, mental self- harm, impatience and helplessness, isolation, withdrawal, and denial.

Conclusions: The results show that mothers suffer from a variety of experiences ranging from physical problems and illnesses to mental problems. An in-depth understanding of the phases of parenting under pressure provides direction for nurses to support parents of children with CHD. Interventions that help carers of children with complex health conditions move through the phases of our parenting under pressure process can help them maintain their children's survival and their survival as parents as they manage multiple needs. Therefore, the hospital should provide supportive procedures to better deal with the problem.