Perceived stress factors and coping mechanisms among mothers of children with sickle cell disease in western Nigeria

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.

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