Lived Experiences of Mothers with Leukemic Children Residing in Kathmandu
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Abstract
Childhood leukemia is one of the expanding non-communicable diseases in Asian countries including Nepal
with significant mortality and morbidity. The main objective of study was to explore lived experiences of
mothers with leukemic children residing in Kathmandu. This was a hermeneutic phenomenological study
conducted in 2017. Ten participants were selected purposively from hospital record of Kanti Children’s
Hospital, Nepal. In-depth interview guideline, case study method, digital recording and field notes were
used for data collection. Data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and ATLAS.
ti 7 software 7.5.7 version. Five major themes emerged: Socioeconomic Burden, Alteration in Life, Crisis
Situation, Coping Strategies and Optimistic Attitude. Initially, mothers experienced distress, disbelief, denial
and gradually accepted the condition. It has created distressing adverse impact on life. Hence, an educational
package and counseling should be provided focusing on disease, child care and coping strategies to make
aware to mothers and prepare them physically and emotionally.