Effect of parental mutuality on the quality of life of mothers of children with special health needs

Effects of Family Caregiver-Nurse Communication on Family Management and Family Caregiver Uncertainty Regarding the Care of Children With Long-Term Ventilator Dependence

Nurses caring for hospitalized children with long-term ventilator dependence (LTVD) assess family management capability and teach new skills through communication with family caregivers. This theoretically-based quantitative, descriptive study aimed to determine the communication behaviors associated with family caregiver uncertainty and management of the child with LTVD's care after discharge. One hundred families and 48 nurses enrolled. Family caregiver-nurse conversations were recorded and transcripts coded for communication behaviors. Family management and uncertainty data were gathered during hospitalization and after discharge. Data analysis included correlations and linear mixed models. Family caregivers and nurses used advocating and negotiating roles communication behaviors least frequently; however, these communication behaviors were associated with the most aspects in terms of uncertainty about the child's condition and ease of management of the child's care after discharge to home. Nurses should assess family caregiver ease in managing care, provide support, and engage in collaborative problem-solving through respectful communication.

Digital Narratives: The Impact of Instagram® on Mothers of Children with Congenital Toxoplasmosis

BACKGROUND

Congenital toxoplasmosis leads to severe complications in childhood and presents significant global health challenges. In Brazil, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy and congenital cases ranges from 0.3 to 8 per 1000 live births. The clinical manifestations of congenital toxoplasmosis can include neurological and ocular damage, among other health issues, which place significant burdens on affected families.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the experiences and motivations of mothers of children with congenital toxoplasmosis who share their journeys on social media, particularly Instagram.

METHODS

A qualitative virtual ethnography was used that explored the content shared by mothers of children diagnosed with congenital toxoplasmosis, aiming to understand how social media aids in their coping strategies and the support networks they create.

RESULTS

Fifteen Instagram accounts were analyzed, and twelve mothers participated in in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: the initial search for information and support, the evolving role of social media in advocacy and education, and the creation of a supportive online community.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the potential of social media to provide emotional support, disseminate information, and foster communities among mothers facing similar challenges, ultimately contributing to better care strategies and professional awareness for supporting families dealing with congenital toxoplasmosis.

Validation of the Family Integration Experience Scale: Chronic Illness for the Portuguese language spoken in Brazil

OBJECTIVE

to conduct the cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Family Integration Experience Scale: Chronic Illness in Brazilian Portuguese.

METHOD

a methodological study divided into two stages. In the first stage, the Family Integration Experience Scale: Chronic Illness was cross-culturally adapted for Brazilian culture, when the scale was subjected to translations, back-translations, and a committee of judges - to verify the semantic, linguistic, and contextual equivalence between the original and translated items. The second step was to validate the scale in a sample of families of children and adolescents with chronic illnesses. The participants were 230 families of children with chronic illnesses attending the outpatient clinic of a tertiary public hospital with teaching and research characteristics.

RESULTS

internal consistency was tested using Cronbach's alpha (0.81) and McDonald's omega (0.81). Confirmatory factor analysis was also tested, and the model's fit was acceptable for validation standards.

CONCLUSION

the version of the Family Integration Experience Scale: Chronic Illness showed evidence of validation and can be considered a valid and reliable instrument in Brazilian culture. The Brazilian Portuguese version of the Family Integration Experience Scale: Chronic Illness can be used to measure the experience of family integration in chronic illness.

Mães adolescentes, autocuidado e cuidado infantil: validação de conteúdo de um calendário histórico de eventos

RESUMO Objetivo: Validar o conteúdo da ferramenta Event History Calendar Mãe Adolescente: fortalecendo o autocuidado e o cuidado da criança. Método: Estudo metodológico com a técnica Delphi, realizado em duas rodadas, envolvendo 37 especialistas de enfermagem. Na coleta de dados, de dezembro/2019 a agosto/2020, foi utilizado um questionário semiestruturado composto por 47 itens relacionados às duas dimensões da ferramenta: Autocuidado e Cuidado da criança. O Índice de Validade de Conteúdo ≥ 0,80 foi utilizado para avaliar a concordância entre os especialistas. Elementos qualitativos foram analisados quanto à clareza e abrangência do conteúdo. Resultados: Na primeira rodada, 46 itens apresentaram Índice de Validade de Conteúdo ≥ 0,80. Os elementos qualitativos apontaram necessidade de maior clareza para o público adolescente. Após as alterações, a ferramenta apresentou 30 itens. Na segunda rodada, os 30 itens avaliados alcançaram Índice de Validade de Conteúdo ≥ 0,80. As considerações qualitativas foram traduzidas em modificações no conteúdo e sequência na versão final da ferramenta. Conclusão: A ferramenta validada obteve avaliação adequada dos itens de cada dimensão, relacionados ao autocuidado da mãe adolescente e cuidado da criança, com alto grau de compreensibilidade.

Adolescent mothers, self-care and childcare: content validation of an Event History Calendar

OBJECTIVE

To validate the content of the tool Event History Calendar Adolescent Mother: strengthening self-care and child care.

METHOD

Methodological study using the Delphi technique, conducted in two rounds, involving 37 nursing specialists. In data collection, from December/2019 to August/2020, a semi-structured questionnaire composed of 47 items related to the two dimensions of the tool: Self-care and Child Care was used. The Content Validity Index ≥ 0.80 was used to assess agreement among the experts. Qualitative elements were analyzed for clarity and comprehensiveness of content.

RESULTS

In the first round, 46 items showed Content Validity Index ≥ 0.80. The qualitative elements pointed out more clarity for the adolescent audience. After the changes, the tool presented 30 items. In the second round, the 30 items evaluated achieved Content Validity Index ≥ 0.80. The qualitative considerations were translated into modifications in the content and sequence in the final version of the tool.

CONCLUSION

The validated tool obtained adequate evaluation of the items of each dimension, related to adolescent mother self-care and child care, with a high degree of comprehensibility.

Inclusão escolar de crianças e adolescentes com epidermólise bolhosa: a perspectiva materna

RESUMO Objetivo: compreender a inclusão escolar de crianças e adolescentes com epidermólise bolhosa na perspectiva materna. Método: estudo qualitativo, fundamentado na Teoria Bioecológica do Desenvolvimento de Urie Bronfenbrenner, realizado entre setembro e novembro de 2021. Foram realizadas entrevistas com seis mães de diferentes localidades brasileiras, áudio e vídeogravadas, utilizando a plataforma Google Meet®. Os depoimentos foram analisados mediantes análise temática. Resultados: Foram identificadas duas categorias: i) O microssistema escolar: desafios e adaptações para inclusão de crianças e adolescentes com epidermólise bolhosa; ii) O mesossistema família-escola: possibilidades para promover maior inclusão escolar. As mães destacaram os desafios da inclusão escolar, bem como os benefícios proporcionados pela interação social. A fim de facilitar a inclusão, o microssistema escolar promove adaptações do processo de ensino aprendizagem, mudanças estruturais, contratação de cuidadores e interlocução com os familiares. Conclusão A inclusão escolar foi inicialmente permeada por sentimentos como medo e angústia, mas as adaptações contribuíram para promover bem-estar, acolhimento e integração social das crianças e adolescentes.

School inclusion of children and adolescents with epidermolysis bullosa: The mothers’ perspective

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the school inclusion of children and adolescents with Epidermolysis Bullosa from the mothers’ perspective. Method: qualitative study, based on Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory of Development, conducted between September and November 2021. Interviews were conducted with six mothers from different Brazilian locations, recording audio and video using the Google Meet® platform. The statements were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: two categories were identified: i) The school microsystem: challenges and adaptations for inclusion of children and adolescents with Epidermolysis Bullosa; ii) The school-family mesosystem: possibilities to promote better school inclusion. Mothers highlighted the challenges in school inclusion as well as the benefits provided by social interaction. In order to facilitate the inclusion, the school microsystem promoted adaptations in the teaching-learning process, structural changes, hiring of caregivers, and dialogues with family members. Conclusion: initially, school inclusion was permeated by feelings such as fear and anguish, but the adaptations contributed to promote well-being, welcoming, and social integration of children and adolescents.

Waves of family hope: narratives of families in the context of pediatric chronic illness

OBJECTIVE

to analyze narratives about the experience of hope of families in the context of pediatric chronic illness.

METHOD

a narrative research using Family Systems Nursing as a conceptual framework. Three families of children and adolescents diagnosed with complex chronic illness participated in this study, totaling 10 participants. Data collection was developed using family photo-elicitation interviews. Family narratives were constructed and analyzed according to inductive thematic analysis with theoretical data triangulation.

RESULTS

the analytical theme - Waves of Family Hope in the Context of Pediatric Chronic Illness - is composed of four different types of hope: uncertain hope, caring hope, latent hope, and expectant hope. Movement through these hopes generates a driving energy and depends on a number of factors: support, information, searching for normality, and thoughts and comparisons.

CONCLUSION

the results highlight the interaction and reciprocities of the members of the family unit, and the dynamics of hope, and illustrate the different types of hope and the factors that influence them. This study highlights the experience of hope as a family resource rather than just an individual resource, and supports health professionals in the planning of family care considering hope as an essential and dynamic family resource.