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Noroozi F, Farrar Z, Gharibi T, Gashmard R. Family Self-Support in Managing Down Syndrome Children: A Qualitative Study. ScientificWorldJournal 2024; 2024:9992595. [PMID: 38818108 PMCID: PMC11139503 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9992595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim. Down syndrome (DS) is the most common reason for disabilities caused by genetic disorders. Due to the special nature of this disease and the special needs of children with Down syndrome, they are required to receive their families' support. Therefore, the recognition of their problems and needs and also the alternatives for resolving them and promoting their life quality are very useful. Also, since very limited qualitative studies have been conducted, it seems necessary to design a qualitative study. Method. This qualitative study was conducted by the content analysis method and through purposeful sampling method with the participation of 26 participants including 15 mothers, 6 fathers, 3 sisters, and 2 brothers of DS children in 2022-2023. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Findings. Using the content analysis method of Graneheim and Lundman (2004), the main theme was "Family self-supporting in protecting Down syndrome children." The subthemes were seven including "trying to find information-support resources," "Giving importance to child's health," "religious beliefs of the family," "child moral education, helping to child's relative self-support," "developing familial support," and "developing child's social interactions." Conclusion and Recommendations. The findings of this study showed that family is the main source of fulfilling the needs of children and their life challenges through using efficient self-support methods. This study introduced family self-support methods in terms of DS children in a way that other families can also manage the problems of their children more efficiently. The present study can be used by trustees of DS to support them and their families. Considering the existence of many problems in children with Down syndrome and the involvement of families, it is suggested that policymakers and community health managers provide the basis for receiving services and social support. For example, it is possible to strengthen the screening systems in the country to diagnose the disease on time and take quick action to solve this problem. Also, by increasing the health insurance coverage and fair distribution of the support resources needed by these people, it promoted the quality of life for them and their families. Also, health policymakers in Iran can take action to increase life expectancy and reduce deaths caused by DS by improving the equitable distribution of health resources and services. Also, public policies should enhance supportive intermediation for prevention and life quality promotion and also decrease health challenges. They are also supposed to lessen the costs of health care. Furthermore, to support social organizations, health service providers and researchers should consider the development of intermediations for the health enhancing and life quality promoting of DS children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Noroozi
- Health Education and Health Promotion, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Zohreh Farrar
- Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Gharibi
- Department of Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Roqayeh Gashmard
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Van Riper M, Knafl GJ, Knafl KA, do Céu Barbieri-Figueiredo M, Barnoy S, Caples M, Choi H, Cosgrove B, Duarte ED, Honda J, Marta E, Phetrasuwan S, Alfieri S, Angelo M, Deoisres W, Fleming L, Dos Santos AS, da Silva MJR. Family adaptation in families of individuals with Down syndrome from 12 countries. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2024; 196:e32075. [PMID: 37929633 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Our current understanding of adaptation in families of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is based primarily on findings from studies focused on participants from a single country. Guided by the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation, the purpose of this cross-country investigation, which is part of a larger, mixed methods study, was twofold: (1) to compare family adaptation in 12 countries, and (2) to examine the relationships between family variables and family adaptation. The focus of this study is data collected in the 12 countries where at least 30 parents completed the survey. Descriptive statistics were generated, and mean family adaptation was modeled in terms of each predictor independently, controlling for an effect on covariates. A parsimonious composite model for mean family adaptation was adaptively generated. While there were cross-country differences, standardized family adaptation mean scores fell within the average range for all 12 countries. Key components of the guiding framework (i.e., family demands, family appraisal, family resources, and family problem-solving communication) were important predictors of family adaptation. More cross-country studies, as well as longitudinal studies, are needed to fully understand how culture and social determinants of health influence family adaptation in families of individuals with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Van Riper
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - George J Knafl
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kathleen A Knafl
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Maria Caples
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Beth Cosgrove
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Elena Marta
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sara Alfieri
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Louise Fleming
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Van Riper M, Cosgrove B, Fleming L. Adaptation at the Family Level in Families of Individuals With Down Syndrome: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2023; 29:324-347. [PMID: 37066798 PMCID: PMC10629249 DOI: 10.1177/10748407231163236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a chromosomal disorder associated with intellectual and physical disabilities and has historically been viewed by health care providers through a negative lens when considering the effect the condition has on the individual, family, and community. The purpose of this scoping review was to provide an overview of recent research concerning adaptation in families of individuals with DS with a focus on family adaptation rather than individual or dyadic adaptation. Three literature indexes were searched from 2017 to 2022, with 41 articles included. Foci of the studies included strength/resilience, stress/coping, and negative/challenge. Thirteen studies reported using a family framework. Multiple methodological approaches and family measures were used in the studies and are outlined. Findings from this review show there has been a shift in focus when researching families of individuals with DS from a negative and challenging experience to one of strength and resilience.
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Celik P, Kara Uzun A. Stressful experiences and coping strategies of parents of young children with Down syndrome: A qualitative study. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2023. [PMID: 37100435 DOI: 10.1111/jar.13108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have focused mostly on the negative experiences of parents of children with Down syndrome. We aimed to explore both the stressful experiences and coping strategies of parents from a non-Western country. METHODS Twenty-six parents of children aged 8-48 months with Down syndrome were included. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS The main themes of the stressful experiences were emotional burdens, caregiving burdens, struggle against stigma and discrimination, concerns about the future, challenges related to health, education, and financial issues. Parents used a variety of coping strategies to overcome the challenges by seeking support and help, searching for information, accepting and adapting, and adopting optimistic attitudes. CONCLUSION Although being a parent of a child with Down syndrome has many challenges, most parents effectively used coping strategies and adapted their lives to their new parental roles in their child's early years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Celik
- Department of Pediatrics, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysun Kara Uzun
- Division of Social Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
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AlAhmari FS, Alageel AF, Aldosari MA, Bagha MY. The quality of life of parents of children with down syndrome in a tertiary care hospital: A qualitative research study at Saudi Arabia. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 81:104428. [PMID: 36147136 PMCID: PMC9486666 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As children with down syndrome (DS) usually have significant morbidities, they can also represent a significant burden on their caregivers and impact their quality of life (QoL). We conducted this study to investigate whether or not having DS children can impact the different domains of the QoL of their caregivers in Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a cross-sectional phenomenological qualitative research study that was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To assess the study outcomes, we used the WHOQOL-BREF to assess the different domains of the QoL. Results We have included 261 caregivers to DS children that responded to our questionnaire. The mean (SD) scores for the WHOQOL-BREF domains were 84 (±15), 88 (±15), 41 (±10), and 105 (±24), including the physical, psychological, social relations, and environmental domains, respectively. There was a significant difference between all of the scores that have been reported for these domains (P-value <0.001). Furthermore, educational level and the number of children were significantly associated with the psychological and physical domains, while the number of children was the only significant variable with the social relation. Finally, educational level, number of children, and average monthly income were all significantly correlated with the environmental domain. Conclusion Our study indicates that the QoL of caregivers to DS children is significantly impacted in the different domains, indicating the urgent need to apply adequate interventions. Down syndrome is well-known for its less-than-optimal quality of life. The importance of caregivers and their roles in caring for down syndrome is important and is often overlooked. Studying and reporting the quality of life of the caregivers of Down syndrome patients is often missed and must be explored.
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AlShatti A, AlKandari D, AlMutairi H, AlEbrahim D, AlMutairi A, AlAnsari D, Abduljaleel L, AlEnzi H, AlFoudari L, AlShaib H, AlAzmi K, Ahmed J. Caregivers' perceptions and experience of caring for persons with Down syndrome in Kuwait: a qualitative study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 67:381-390. [PMID: 34570835 PMCID: PMC8451671 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2021.1910780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Aim and Objective: This study aimed to explore how caregivers of persons with Down syndrome (DS) believe caring had an impact on their own lives. A secondary objective was to understand their experience of seeking educational, social, and health care services for the persons with DS. Methods: This qualitative exploratory study was conducted with 21 caregivers of persons with DS in Kuwait. Results: Caregivers struggled to accept the diagnosis initially that led them to search for answers to many of their concerns about raising a person with DS. For the caregivers, who mostly comprised of mothers, dealing with health conditions that persons with DS suffered from was initially difficult. Caring for these individuals led to heavy impact upon their caregivers' own lives who took extraordinary efforts to cope with the burden. Seeking quality education for the persons with DS and participation in social activities was also challenging, and the caregivers believed that better services, facilities, and benefits for the families of persons with DS may help them better cope with the socioeconomic and psychological burden. Conclusions: Improving the availability of specialized services, the delivery of guidance and counselling, and social integration may help overcome challenges of raising a person with Down Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna AlShatti
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Dana AlKandari
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Hessa AlMutairi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Dalal AlEbrahim
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Abdullah AlMutairi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Danah AlAnsari
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Lulwa Abduljaleel
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Hassna AlEnzi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Latifa AlFoudari
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Hamad AlShaib
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Khalid AlAzmi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Jamil Ahmed
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain
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