Families' situation of caring for a child with a chronic condition: a mixed methods study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the meanings attributed by family members to the situation of caring for a child with a chronic condition (CCC), in the light of the Family Management Style Framework (FMSF).

METHOD

A mixed-methods, parallel-convergent study, guided by the FMSF theoretical framework, using the conceptual component "Definition of the Situation". Fifty-three CCC families took part. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview, a questionnaire to characterize the participants and a Family Management Measure scale. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out on the quantitative data and the qualitative data was subjected to deductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Family members reported a view of normality in relation to CCC, also verified by the Child's Daily Life scale. However, they indicate the repercussions of the chronic condition on the family, and that they devote more attention and time to meeting the child's care needs, which was also verified in the View of the Impact of the Condition and Management Effort scales.

CONCLUSION

Families have a positive view of the situation of caring for CCC at home, but point out some negative effects, such as the greater time spent caring for the child.

Ability of management of families of children with chronic conditions for care at home

ABSTRACT: Objective to analyze the relationship between families' living context and their management skills in caring for children with chronic health conditions. Method a mixed, convergent parallel study, with the Family Management Style as the theoretical framework. Participants were family members of children with chronic conditions egressing from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Southeastern Brazil. For the collection of quantitative data, the instrument Family Management Measure and a questionnaire of socio-demographic characterization were used. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Stata 15 statistical program. Qualitative data were produced by means of semi-structured interviews and submitted to the Directed Content Analysis. Results the families presented a positive average score in the Management Ability scale, having greater ease to meet the care needs of the child with chronic condition at home. Favorable social and economic conditions contributed to the family's ability to care for the child with chronic health condition. Conclusions and implications for practice it was concluded that there is a relationship between the context of life of the families and the ability to manage the child in chronic condition. Being able to count on a partner or other family members can improve the management skills of these families.

Habilidade de manejo de famílias de crianças com condições crônicas para o cuidado no domicílio

RESUMO: Objetivo analisar a relação entre o contexto de vida das famílias e a sua habilidade de manejo no cuidado às crianças em condições crônicas de saúde. Método estudo misto, do tipo paralelo convergente, tendo o Estilo de Manejo Familiar como quadro teórico. Participaram familiares de crianças com condições crônicas egressas de Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal do Sudeste do Brasil. Para a coleta de dados quantitativos, foram utilizados o instrumento Medida de Manejo Familiar e um questionário de caracterização sociodemográfica. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados por meio do programa estatístico Stata 15. Os dados qualitativos foram produzidos por meio de entrevista semiestruturada e submetidos à Análise de Conteúdo Dirigida. Resultados as famílias apresentaram um escore médio positivo na escala Habilidade de Manejo, possuindo maior facilidade para atender às necessidades de cuidado do filho com condição crônica no domicílio. Condições sociais e econômicas favoráveis contribuíram para a capacidade da família em cuidar da criança com condição crônica de saúde. Conclusões e implicações para a prática concluiu-se que há relação entre o contexto de vida das famílias e a habilidade de manejo da criança em condição crônica. Poder contar com o companheiro ou com outros membros da família pode melhorar a habilidade de manejo dessas famílias.