Transitions experienced by mothers of children/adolescents with sickle cell disease in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Rev Gaucha Enferm. 2023 Jun 5:44:e20220075. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2023.20220075.en. eCollection 2023.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the transitions experienced by mothers and children/adolescents with sickle cell disease after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method: A qualitative study involving 19 mothers of children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews via WhatsApp, followed by Thematic Analysis and Descending Hierarchical Classification with the help of Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Texteset de Questionnaires and interpreted in the light of Afaf Meleis' Transition Theory.

Results: Support from family members for displacement; mothers' adherence to the routine of daily stimuli and physical exercises favored healthy transitions; lack of remote health care; low socioeconomic resources; interruption of the physiotherapy service; and maternal overload favor unhealthy transitions.

Final considerations: Efforts/movements by mothers ensure the healthy transition of children/adolescents with sickle disease during the pandemic, while supporting their unhealthy transition.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell*
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mothers
  • Pandemics
  • Qualitative Research