Parenting experiences of mothers living with chronic mental disorders at Mathari hospital.

Abstract

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.