Impact on and coping behaviours of a Chinese mother with a child suffering from developmental dysplasia of the hip

This case study was conducted to investigate the impact on a mother with a child suffering from developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and the behaviours she adopted to cope with the situation. The data were collected through participant observation and follow-up telephone interviews for six months during the period beginning from the child's hospitalisation for surgery. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The study revealed that impacts on the mother in relation to the care of her child included: (1) shock of the diagnosis; (2) fear from potential risk of surgery; (3) feeling of loss and anger for the unexpected; (4) uncertainty and anxiety about the future; and (5) excessive and uncontrollable emotions. In addition, the study discovered the mother's coping behaviours which included: (1) seeking out for family support; (2) actively learning about medical knowledge and nursing skills; (3) actively interacting with the child and meeting the child's special needs; (4) enlisting appropriate spouse participation; and (5) maintaining a positive outlook. The results provide an informative insight into the mother's view about herself while caring for her child and about the role that the nurse plays as an agent to help the mother to obtain medical and nursing information, increase confidence and mobilise her resources.