Parents' perceptions of care-giving to a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: an exploratory study

Contemp Nurse. 2011 Dec;40(1):41-56. doi: 10.5172/conu.2011.40.1.41.

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral childhood disorder in which parental care-giving is found very stressful. Limited qualitative research is found on their care-giving experiences. This study aimed to explore Chinese parents' experiences of care-giving to a child with ADHD at home. It was conducted at one Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit in Hong Kong using qualitative exploratory approach. A purposive sample of 12 parents was recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, each lasting about one hour. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. From the interview data, four themes were identified, including: concept of the illness, barriers to child care in ADHD, psychological effects in care-giving, and positive aspects of care-giving. The parents indicated a variety of life problems and health concerns in care-giving. The findings may help nurses understand the perceptions and barriers towards parental care of a child with ADHD in a Chinese population and consider parents' educational needs in care-giving.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / nursing*
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child Care
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Parents / psychology*