Parenting experiences of mothers living with chronic mental disorders at Mathari hospital.
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Date
2020Author
Kabugua, Francis N
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background: Globally, it is estimated that up to 50% of persons living with mental
disorders in developed states and 85% in third world nations are parents with one or
more dependent children. Approximately 15.6% of pregnant mothers and 19.8% of
mothers in puerperium experience a mental disorder that affects their ability to
effectively carry out their parental role. Economic, interpersonal, social, and
intrapersonal factors related to chronic mental disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar
disorders, and depression have negative effect on mothers’ parenting capabilities that
eventually affect child’s growth and development.
Objective: To explore the parenting experiences of mothers living with chronic mental
disorders.
Methodology: A transcendental (descriptive) phenomenological qualitative research
design was used. Mothers identified with schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and major
depressive disorders were purposively selected from those attending mental health
clinics at Mathari hospital. In-depth interviews were conducted to obtain data on their
lived parenting experiences. A total of 15 participants were recruited. Interviews were
conducted up to 15th interview when data saturation occurred. These interviews were
audio recorded using a Sony ICD PX333 digital voice recorder with participants’
permission. The researcher transcribed the recorded interview verbatim. He created
short phrases equivalent to different codes. The created codes were compared
throughout interviews, pinpointed the patterns among them and generated themes
pertinent to the study goals.
Results: Three main themes were identified. These were, lived parenting experiences
of “being a trustworthy mother, challenges in parenting roles and perceived support
systems.” The findings highlighted that the challenges of working with parents with
mental health issues cannot be addressed with a one‐size‐fits‐all approach. Initiatives
to facilitate the effective support of parents and their children need to be informed by
contextual factors, including clinical practice.
Ethical issues: Confidentiality was maintained throughout the study. Participation was
voluntary, through the participants providing a written informed consent. The protocol
was reviewed and approved by KNH/UoN-ERC and Mathari hospital administration.
Study was conducted within the dictates of the approved guidelines.
Benefits and Significance of the study: The study produced rich information
regarding how mothers make sense of their mental health problems and associated
motherhood; generated evidence-based data to inform the hospital management board
concerning the value of organizing services to satisfy the needs of the mothers and their
children when mothers are hospitalized.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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