Experiences of caregivers of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), South Africa

Caregivers of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) may experience some challenges and need support in caring for these children who present with a group of neurological disorders. Cerebral Palsy has been defined as a non-progressive condition of the brain, which results from interference during its development and affects body movement, muscle coordination, including motor and cognitive impairment. The objectives of the study were; to explore, describe, and interpret the experiences of caregivers of children with CP, to interpret the meaning attached to the experiences and interpret different support for caregivers of children with CP in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South. The University of Fort Hare Ethics Committee granted ethical approval. Informed consent was obtained from the participants before data collection. Ethical principles to be followed when conducting a research study has also been discussed with participants and ensured. An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was chosen for the study. Four participants were chosen purposively in this study because IPA studies use a detailed account of individual experience. The data collection method used for this study is semi-structured interviews, which were done in the participant’s comfortable environment, and lasted between 40 to 60 minutes, using an interview guide. Data analysis has been done using the 7 steps noted in IPA. The main findings of the study are lived experiences of caregivers caring for children with CP. Participants experienced financial, physical, and psychological challenges in caring for children with CP. Caregivers also received communal support from different stakeholders. Support from family, their employers, other caregivers and the government through the multi-disciplinary team and the provision of social grants. Trustworthiness was ensured by observing the principles of transferability, credibility, confirmability and dependability.Thesis (MNurs) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 202