Abstract
While many studies have looked at the stressful
effects of chronic illness of those who suffer
such conditions, less is known about the effects
on caregivers, especially in developing countries.
Mothers in particular must bear the brunt of
care and stress for children who have sickle
cell disease (SCD). A sample of 200 mothers
attending six SCD clinics in both public and
private hospitals in the Ibadan-Ibarapa Health
Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria, were interviewed.
Stress levels were measured using an instrument
comprised of stressors listed by mothers themselves
in focus group discussions that preceded
the survey. Higher levels of stress were associated
with less educated and older women, as well
as non-married women and those in polygamous
households. Stress levels were also greater when
there was more than one child with SCD in the
family and when the index child was of school
age. Coping mechanisms varied according to
the category of stressor. Financial stress and
disease factors were met with confrontation,
while family sources of stress were either complained
about, accepted or avoided. Knowledge
of the different types of mothers who experience
more stress and of their preferred coping mechanisms
can be useful in designing clinic-based
counselling.
Olley, L , Brieger, W & Olley, B (2021). Perceived stress factors and coping mechanisms among mothers of children with sickle cell disease in western Nigeria. Afribary. Retrieved from https://tracking.afribary.com/works/perceived-stress-factors-and-coping-mechanisms-among-mothers-of-children-with-sickle-cell-disease-in-western-nigeria
Olley, Lydia et. al. "Perceived stress factors and coping mechanisms among mothers of children with sickle cell disease in western Nigeria" Afribary. Afribary, 20 Apr. 2021, https://tracking.afribary.com/works/perceived-stress-factors-and-coping-mechanisms-among-mothers-of-children-with-sickle-cell-disease-in-western-nigeria. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Olley, Lydia, William Brieger and B. Olley . "Perceived stress factors and coping mechanisms among mothers of children with sickle cell disease in western Nigeria". Afribary, Afribary, 20 Apr. 2021. Web. 28 Nov. 2024. < https://tracking.afribary.com/works/perceived-stress-factors-and-coping-mechanisms-among-mothers-of-children-with-sickle-cell-disease-in-western-nigeria >.
Olley, Lydia , Brieger, William and Olley, B. . "Perceived stress factors and coping mechanisms among mothers of children with sickle cell disease in western Nigeria" Afribary (2021). Accessed November 28, 2024. https://tracking.afribary.com/works/perceived-stress-factors-and-coping-mechanisms-among-mothers-of-children-with-sickle-cell-disease-in-western-nigeria