How parents cope with the care of a child with epilepsy: Based upon grounded theory
Abstract Abstract: parents of children with seizure have to face the complicated health issues of their children. Coping strategies of parents as major care providers impact not only their handling of stresses on themselves, but also the children’s quality of life. This study investigated the coping processes of parents of children with seizure at two educational hospitals affiliated with the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Iran. Method: Twenty parents (15 mothers and 5fathers) and three nurses were selected using the purposive sampling method. Data was collected using qualitative semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the method suggested by Corbin and Strauss. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Results: The adaptation process had five phases: “Disbelief, Patience on what happened , patient on what happened, change to preserve, and acceptance of the current situation by the parents and her child and empowerment”. In summary, parents of children with seizure have a 5-phase coping strategy. Core category is achieved “continued efforts of parents to restore calm”. Conclusion: Properly assessing the stresses on parents of children with seizure and their coping strategies may help medical staff and social services provide more targeted support and promote the balance of the family function.