Informal caregivers of children with cerebral palsy ways of coping with the uncertainty of illness*

Abstract

Objective: To unveil the process of collective construction of interventions for coping by informal caregivers of children with cerebral palsy using the Theory of Uncertainty in Illness. Method: Qualitative action-research in a hybrid format with informal caregivers of children with cerebral palsy registered with the Raros group in Petrolina, Pernambuco. The research followed the planned intervention cycle, going through four phases. The analysis was carried out using the IRAMUTEQ software and content analysis. Results: Interventions were designed collectively, both virtually and in person, which resulted in improvements for informal caregivers in coping with the conditions associated with the disability, promotion of self-care, empowerment and the construction of a sense of belonging to the group. There were 12 participants, all of whom were mothers. Conclusion: There was a facilitation of the process of coping with uncertainty in the disease on the part of the informal caregiver of children with cerebral palsy and it was evidenced that for this a prismatic perspective is necessary, which understands that the uncertainties are not only related to the conditions associated with cerebral palsy, but involve subjective aspects of the caregivers.