Abstract:
Abstract
Rational: Down syndrome is the most common genetic chromosomal
condition. The children with Down syndrome
(DS)
experience delay in their
cognitive and physical development which causes difficulties to perform in self
work for the DS children. The mothers of children with DS have to provide
more care to their children. They face challenges to maintain the time schedule
in their daily life. They also face stigmatize attitude from the community due to
have the children with Down syndrome. This study is important to know about
the daily life of the mothers of DS children.
Objectives of the study: To explore the experiences of mothers in self care,
productivity, leisure and social participations with Down syndrome child; to
find out experiences about family and community supports and financial status
with Down syndrome child.
Study design: The study is an ethnographic study under qualitative research
design. Through the convenient sampling method about 10 mothers of child
with Down syndrome were selected as participants for this study. Data was
collected by using face to face interview with a semi-structured questionnaire.
Data was analyzed by qualitative content analysis.
Result and Conclusion: The study findings reported that the DS mothers face
challenges to perform their own self care activities, productive works and
leisure due to spend much time to look after their children. These mothers get
enough positive supports from their family members and they can participate in
different social functions. However, they don’t get enough supports from their
community and their expenses become increased which affects their financial
condition due to have the children with Down syndrome. This study is
important for the Occupational therapist to work with mothers having children
with Down syndrome. The Occupational therapist can promote the mothers’
coping strategies in managing the Down syndrome children.
