J Korean Acad Nurs.  2017 Feb;47(1):71-85. 10.4040/jkan.2017.47.1.71.

Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study on Caring Experience of the Mothers of Children with Epilepsy

• Joung WJ
• Yi M

• KMID: 2425938
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2017.47.1.71

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of the experience of mothers caring for children with epilepsy.
METHODS
Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews and observation from 12 mothers of children with epilepsy. Data were collected from December, 2014 to February, 2015 and analyzed using van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological methodology to identify essential themes of their experience.
RESULTS
The essential themes that fit into the context of the 4-existential grounds of time, body, other people, and space were: Lived time-ongoing influence of the past, living in insecure present, fearful future with no answer; Lived body-bonded body, burned out state; Lived other-burden but also support, shrunken down; Lived space-narrowed range of activity, widened horizon.
CONCLUSION
The findings in this study show in-depth understanding of the hardships of mothers who are caring for children with epilepsy. The beauty and greatness of these mothers are revealed through the analysis of various phenomenological materials such as literary and artistic work reflecting socio-cultural context, as well as vivid care experiences of mothers of children with epilepsy. This will be helpful in increasing understanding of the nature of caregivers' experience for medical professionals dealing with patients and caregivers. Also it helps to improve the understanding of the disease among the general public, followed by a more warming and caring attitude towards patients and family members. Finally, it will enhance psychological well-being and overall quality of life of the epileptic children and their families.

Keyword

Caring; Epilepsy; Mothers; Qualitative research

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Caregivers/psychology
Child
Epilepsy/diagnosis/*nursing
Female
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Middle Aged
Mothers/*psychology
Qualitative Research
Quality of Life
Stress, Psychological
Telephone
Young Adult

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