"Mastering uncertainty:" mothering the child with asthma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric respiratory health
• Qualitative health research

Background:

• Childhood asthma presents unique challenges for families.
• Maternal perspectives are crucial for understanding the impact of chronic childhood illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experience and meaning of childhood asthma for mothers.
• To identify the core themes and cultural understandings of mothers managing childhood asthma.

Main Methods:

• Ethnographic qualitative study utilizing participant observation and in-depth interviews.
• Analysis adapted from Spradley (1979) to uncover cultural domains, taxonomies, and themes.
• Data collection conducted within the participants' home environments.

Main Results:

• The overarching theme identified was "mastering uncertainty."
• Mothers described their experiences through "internal self" and "actions" within a "passage of time."
• Distinct components of meaning related to managing childhood asthma emerged.

Conclusions:

• Understanding maternal themes of "mastering uncertainty" enhances healthcare professionals' empathy.
• Findings can inform nursing and healthcare practices to better support mothers of children with asthma.
• This research provides insight into the subjective experience of childhood asthma from a maternal viewpoint.