Mothers' Experiences of Parenting of a Child with Atopic Dermatitis

Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to describe the mothers" experiences of parenting of a child with atopic dermatitis and to provide the data to develop effective interventions for families of a child with atopic dermatitis. Methods: In-depth interviews with 7 mothers of children with atopic dermatitis were done. Content analysis was employed for data analysis. Results: Five categories and 21 attributes were derived from the data. Mothers expressed the burdens related to daily management: physical fatigue and exhaustion, difficult to follow the specific details, frustration, weary; financial burden related to purchasing of special lotions and ointment. Patterns of management included active compliance, seeking complementary and alternative therapy, confusion, abandonment, and wish. Feelings about the child included heartbreaking, sorrow, worry, guilt, and pride. Feelings about other family members included sorry, appreciation, and unfair. Mothers expressed they need more specific information on daily care and alternative treatments and better communication with health care personnel. Conclusions: It is suggested that care providers need to be familiar with various information on management of atopic dermatitis and provide specific and detailed education to the mothers and children with atopic dermatitis.ope