Mothers' perspectives of physical and psychological issues associated with caring for Ghanaian children living with tuberculosis: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore and describe the mothers' perspectives on issues associated with caring for Ghanaian children aged 0–14 years living with tuberculosis. Design: Exploratory descriptive qualitative design. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted face to face with 15 purposively sampled mothers from two health facilities in the Greater Accra area. Transcribed data were analysed using computer-enhanced thematic analysis. Results: Findings were grouped into (1) physical burden on the mothers and (2) psychological burden on mothers. The eight subthemes indicate that mothers of children living with tuberculosis experienced tiredness, sleeplessness, body pains, weight loss and sicknesses as they cared for their children. In addition to worrying, mothers experienced stigma and negative emotions such as sadness, guilt, fear and loneliness. Conclusion: Mothers of children diagnosed with tuberculosis in Ghana experience physical and psychological health problems related to their caregiving roles. Nurses and other healthcare providers should identify specific problems and offer broad-based emotional and other support for these women.