The experience of raising a child with down syndrome : perceptions of caregivers in KwaZulu-Natal.
| dc.contributor.advisor | Naidoo, P. | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Rencken, Gina. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Barr, Megan. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2014-09-05T11:22:43Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2014-09-05T11:22:43Z | |
| dc.date.created | 2013 | |
| dc.date.issued | 2013 | |
| dc.description | Thesis (M.O.T.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013. | en |
| dc.description.abstract | Introduction: Due to limited research within KwaZulu-Natal there is a deficit in the knowledge base and understanding surrounding the dynamics of caring for a child diagnosed with Down syndrome. The study aims to inform health professionals who adopt a psychosocial approach, such as occupational therapist, in an effort to improve the therapy and handling of the caregivers and children. Methodology: A sequential explanatory mixed method approach with an interpretive phenomenological perspective was utilized. Sampling utilized non-probability methods from the Down syndrome Association (KwaZulu-Natal) database. An initial quantitative descriptive survey (n=57) guided the subsequent qualitative phase encompassing focus groups and interviews (n=18). Quantitative data was statistically analyzed using SPSS (version 21) and the transcribed quantitative data utilized thematic analysis with in vivo, emotions and descriptive coding. Results and Discussion: Experiences were primarily influenced by initial reactions of the participants; their level of knowledge of the syndrome and reactions to informing their family and community. Thereafter the positive and negative aspects of raising the child affected their perceptions. Conclusion: Many factors contributed to the participants‟ perceptions of raising a child with Down syndrome, namely: community and family attitudes; support structures available; positive factors such as personal growth as well as negative factors such as the erratic health of the child and difficulties with inter-personal relationships. However; an overall positive perception was reported by the participants, with an emphasis on advice to other caregivers based on lived experience. | en |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10413/11132 | |
| dc.language.iso | en_ZA | en |
| dc.subject | Down syndrome--KwaZulu-Natal. | en |
| dc.subject | Caregivers--KwaZulu-Natal. | en |
| dc.subject | Genetic disorders--KwaZulu-Natal. | en |
| dc.subject | Theses--Occupational therapy. | en |
| dc.title | The experience of raising a child with down syndrome : perceptions of caregivers in KwaZulu-Natal. | en |
| dc.type | Thesis | en |