Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: July | Volume: 8 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 209-223
Problems and Problem Solving Strategy of Mothers of Children with Cancer in Selected Hospitals Mangalore
Rincymole K Thomas (Sr Rincy)1, Ms Seema S Chavan2
1Principal, Devamatha Nursing School, Ernakulum
2Associate Professor / HOD, Department of pediatric nursing, Father Muller College of Nursing, Mangalore
Corresponding Author: Ms Seema S Chavan
ABSTRACT
Background: Cancer is a life threatening disease and considered the second cause of death after accident in children. Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai's Parel area alone treats 2,000 new pediatric cancer cases annually. Diagnosis and treatment of cancer children represents a highly stressful situation for mothers emotionally, physically, socially and financially.
Objectives
Quantitative
1. To assess the problems of mothers of children with cancer.
2. To find association between problems of mothers of children with cancer and selected demographic variables.
3. To find the opinionnaire of informational leaflet.
Qualitative
1. To identify problem solving strategy for mothers of children with cancer.
Methods: A mixed method approach (embedded design) was used. Subjects consist of 30 mothers of children with cancer for quantitative and 15 mothers (until the data Saturation) for qualitative. Subjects were selected purposively and nested identical sampling was used.
Results: 60% of mothers of children with cancer were having quite a bit problems, 36.7% were very much problems and 3.3% were having somewhat problems. There was no significant association between the problems of mothers of children with cancer and the baseline variables. Through the thematic analysis the problem solving strategy were in areas of Physical and psychological, financial, spiritual, social and communication.
Interpretation and Conclusion: From this study we found that, even though the mothers of children suffering with cancer used problem solving strategies, it did not completely erase their problems but reduced the severity of the problems.
Key words: problems, problem solving strategy, cancer children.