Experience of mothers of children with leukemia: feelings about home care

Abstract

This is a descriptive study carried out with six mothers of children suffering from leukemia admitted to a specialized hospital. The objective of the study was to find out who the children being treated in this service are and to identify how mothers perceive the experience of caring for their child at home and how they evaluate the orientation they receive for this type of care. The results revealed that, in spite of doubts, difficulties and conflicts within the family, mothers care for their children with selflessness and feel positive about doing so, resorting to religion to get strength to face the situation. It was also observed that mothers feel a need for further interaction with the nursing staff, but do not feel at ease to express their expectations and questions, even at times when they do not understand the orientations. This is an indication of serious gaps regarding the nursing professional's function of providing assistance and educational support to the mother/caregiver within the family context.