Mothers experience of promoting childrens health in an Iraqi context

Iraq has in recent decades been with internal conflicts between ethnic groups. Despite the enormous wealth of natural resources, more than half of the population remains poor. War and corruption has led to lack of resources and worsening quality of the health sector leading to deteriorating health situation among the population. Womens role and experiences of health and health promotion is important in conflict affected countries to create health and well-being within the family. Objective: the objective of this study was to investigate the maternal experiece of promoting the health of children in an Iraqi context. Method:Aqualitative research methodology with semi-structured interviews was chosen.Six mothers from diffrent neighborhods in the city of kirkuk were interviewed. Data set was analyzed by using content analysis. Results: the results showed the theme of health promotion motherhood in a war-torn country with four categories.1-Health is life welfare.2-In powerlessness shadow.3-Knowledge and sisterhooa and4- anees for new health promoting community structures. Mothers were every day occupied with health promoting their children despite the obstacles to promote health. The results also showed that mothers valu sisterhood, education and security as access to healthier life. Mothers belife in change for a healthier future of children in iraq lies in the goverments ability to develop an infrastructure for health promotion with basic services,a functioning health care system and better hom environments