Experiences of caregivers of children (6-13 years) with chronic pain in Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Molepolole

Abstract

Chronic pain is a common problem affecting many children around the world. Caregivers of children with chronic pain often experience significantly poorer health that often results in family dysfunction. Despite the negative health outcomes reported by some caregivers, some report great life satisfaction, less depression, and feel a sense of reward. There is a need to understand the nature of experiences of caregivers of children with chronic pain. The specific aims of this study are to explore the experiences of caregivers of children (6-13 years) old with chronic pain; to describe the challenges of caregivers and to explore the coping strategies used by caregivers. The study will use a descriptive phenomenological qualitative design. Ten participants will be purposively selected from caregivers for children with chronic pain in Scottish Livingstone Hospital, Molepolole. Ethical approval will be sought from Institutional Review Boards of University of Botswana, Ministry of Health and Scottish Livingstone Hospital. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews. Emerging themes will describe the experiences of caregivers of children with chronic pain. The results will be used to develop programs that will enhance caregivers coping mechanisms and facilitate positive outcomes to improve psychological and physical wellbeing. Furthermore, the results will enhance development of new policies, and development of health-promotion strategies for children with chronic pain.