Factors affecting caregivers caring for 6 – 10 year-old children diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Introduction: Caregivers are primary carers for family members including children. Their role might be to care for a child diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. Their new role of caring for a child with traumatic brain injury requires that caregivers should be knowledgeable about the condition and the expected change. Caregivers find it difficult to care for their child after the child sustains a mild traumatic brain injury. The challenges in caring for the child may be due to lack of knowledge and training or because of the child’s difficulties in educational and social areas of functioning. The struggles of caring for the child impact the caregivers’ ability to fulfil their other household responsibilities and roles. It is uncertain which factors predominantly affect caregivers’ lives after their child is diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury. Aim: This study aimed to describe factors that affect caregivers of 6 – 10 year-old children diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury. Research design: A qualitative descriptive study design was adopted to describe the factors that affect the responsibilities and roles of caregivers for a child with mild traumatic brain injury. Method: Purposeful sampling was used to recruit participants for this study. The study consisted of ten participants who took part in three focus group interviews which were conducted in Pretoria and facilitated by an independent experienced moderator. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were applied. Data analysis: Data was analysed using thematic analysis which allowed identification, analysis, organisation, description and reporting of themes found in the data. The caregivers shared their views on factors affecting their ability to continue to care for their children living with mild traumatic brain injury. Findings: Four themes emerged, namely, (1) caregiver noticed the child had changes; (2) caregiver experienced challenges with the child; (3) changes in caregiver’s lifestyle and (4) caregiver’s means of surviving with the child. Conclusion: The children diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injuries presented with functional changes and required more attention and assistance from the caregiver. As a result, caregivers altered their lifestyle and roles to accommodate the child’s additional needs. Furthermore, caregivers found new means to effectively cope with the child’s changes and the caregivers’ personal desires.