Exploring the Process of Mothering Co-occupations in Caring of Children with Cerebral Palsy at Home

Background Mothering co-occupations in caring for children with cerebral palsy (CP) are very challenging for mothers but play an important role in the daily life of children with CP.This study aimed to explore the mothering co-occupations process in caring for children with CP at home in an Iranian context. Materials and Methods A grounded theory approach was recruited using semi-structured interviews. The participants were 14 caregivers, 3 children with CP, 5 occupational therapists, 1 physiotherapist and 3 managers of rehabilitation centers. Participants selected through purposeful sampling followed by theoretical samplingand was continued until saturation. Trustworthiness of the study was examined throughout credibility, transferability, conformability and dependency. The Data were analyzed base on the Corbin and Straus method (2008). Results The results were grouped into seven main categories: motherly care, coping with unusual co-occupation, confusion with the roles being played, trying to meet special care needs,managing dynamic co-occupations, continuing care and an inefficient environment. Coping with unusual co-occupation was extracted as the core concept. Conclusion Understanding the challenges of caring for a child with CP andthe experiences of mothers when engaging in caring with theirchild can also help them to be empowered for achieving the proper management and effective care. The results of this research could provide a broader perspective to therapists; rehabilitation managers and policy makers for understanding the needs, meeting challenges and concerns of caregivers and children with CP, for a comprehensive plan for caring of children with CP.

Keywords:

Caregivers , Cerebral palsy , Child , Co-occupation , Grounded theory