Existence, triggers, and coping with chronic sorrow: a qualitative study of caretakers of children with sickle cell disease in a National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda
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Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC psychology
Abstract
Background: Worldwide, sickle cell disease is recognized as one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality.
Caregivers and patients with such chronic illnesses experience economic, physical, social and psychological
distresses which may lead to chronic sorrow. Chronic sorrow is viewed as a normal reaction to loss, however it can
progress to a pathological state such as depression if the coping styles are ineffective. Therefore, the aim of this
study was to explore the existence of chronic sorrow, triggers and coping with grief related feelings among
caretakers of children with sickle cell disease. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted with eligible participants who were purposively selected. Deductive thematic analysis methods were used for data analysis. Results: Many (9 out of 12) of the caretakers experienced chronic sorrow. The grief related feelings were triggered
by health worker related, disease related and support related factors. Caretakers used both external and internal
coping strategies. External support was derived from community, family and health facility. Internal coping strategies were behavioral and cognitive. Conclusion: Caretakers of children with sickle cell disease experienced chronic sorrow and employed both internal and external coping strategies to deal with it, which could be either effective or ineffective. This study recommends that health workers should routinely screen for chronic sorrow among caretakers of children with sickle cell disease
and assist caretakers to strengthen effective coping strategies to ameliorate the negative effects of chronic sorrow
Description
Keywords
Chronic sorrow, Experiences, Caretakers, Caregivers, Sickle cell disease
Citation
Olwit, C., Mugaba, M., Osingada, C. P., & Nabirye, R. C. (2018). Existence, triggers, and coping with chronic sorrow: a qualitative study of caretakers of children with sickle cell disease in a National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. BMC psychology, 6(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-018-0263-y