Thirteenth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

The aim of this study is to characterise the help-seeking experiences of caregivers of young children living with Cerebral Palsy in a township in South Africa. There is sparse information regarding how the notion of help-seeking is conceptualized within this population. Available research has mostly focused on understanding the health seeking experiences of caregivers in relation to their utilization of health services as well as seeking medical attention. To understand help-seeking in this context the following concepts were used: lifeworld, healthworld and whole health. This study was conducted using a qualitative case study design, underpinned by a phenomenological approach. Multiple data sources were used to collect data, namely a series of repeated semi-structured interviews which also included timeline mapping. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. The participant group comprised of 12 mothers, 1 aunt, 1 grandmother and 1 great-grandmother. The preliminary findings were analysed using van Manen’s six steps of interpretive phenomenological approach and the following themes emerged: (1) Various sources of help (2) The pursuit of a cure (3) Uninformed society (4) The role of social media. The findings of this study show that it is important to understand caregiver health beliefs as this influences their help seeking behaviours. Moreover, health professionals need to be cognisant of the needs and priorities of caregivers which go beyond the health needs of their children. There is a need for health education initiatives with the community as there is a lack of understanding and empathy towards caregivers.