CHALLENGES OF MOTHERS BEARING CHILDREN WITH HYDROCEPHALUS: A CASE STUDY OF MOMBASA COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Caregiving serves as an important part of the development of human beings. Significant to note is that Africa’s informal care backbone is formed by mothers. Despite the disadvantages of resources, mothers give proficient care, which has shown growing concerns due to notions about gender inequalities. This clarion call is important, for bearing a Child with Disabilities (CWD) comes with its sacrifices and challenges because of the stigma associated with disability. Mental health issues and coping abilities have coaxed interest worldwide especially in the well-being of caregivers. This study was set out to examine challenges of mothers bearing children with Hydrocephalus in Mombasa County specifically the coping strategies for mothers, with children suffering from Hydrocephalus condition, established perception of mothers by the community regarding raising children with Hydrocephalus, and found out the opportunities lost in the onset of care. Cross-sectional survey was used in conducting the study while purposive sampling was used to sample the institutions that cater for Hydrocephalus. A sample of thirty respondents was interviewed together with five key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to analyze the socio-economic and cultural factors that influence caregivers and examine the relationship between these factors. Qualitative findings were analyzed thematically and presented in narratives. The study found mothers were blamed for the occurrence of hydrocephalus. Additionally, level of education was seen to determine the perception on the cause of Hydrocephalus in Mombasa County. Qualitative results found that caring responsibilities affected mothers’ long-term goals negatively and time costs accounted for the greatest loss in income generating activities. Similarly, no plans were made for the greater part of the respondents. The study established that mothers’ marital status and religious affiliation were strong predictors of future life goals for mothers bearing children with Hydrocephalus. vi Acceptance, financial independence, and social support were the major coping strategies employed. Further, the mother’s age, level of education, and the value of caregiving by the community strongly determined the coping strategies of the mothers. This study stimulates Further research is needed to bring out the significance of mental health and coping on informal caregiving in other parts of Kenya