Ann Physiother Clin | Volume 1, Issue 2 | Research Article | Open Access
Naomi Wanjiru*
Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Moi University, Kenya
*Correspondance to: Naomi Wanjiru
Fulltext PDFAim: Disability in childhood remains a challenge globally. Linked to this disability is an apparent increase in the prevalence of infants born with congenital clubfoot. Clubfoot can, however, be effectively managed but this management faces various challenges. This study aims to explore the experiences of parents/caregivers of children with congenital talipes equinovarus in Kenya.
Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 15 parents/caregivers. Interview guide was used for data collection. Informed consent was sought. Field notes were taken and the interviews tape-recorded. The interviews took 45 minutes to 1 hour. They were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by thematic content.
Results: The results indicated that the experiences were marred with numerous challenges which included; long travelling distance, cost of treatment and travelling, poverty, stigmatization, lack of family support, and problem with abduction braces among others.
Conclusion: The challenges facing parents/caregivers of children with clubfoot start after birth and are enormous. Action to remove these challenges is warranted. Improved support for parents/ caregivers, information to community, and provision of treatment more locally is needed. Financial support for parents/caregivers is key to enhancing children’s life chances.
Barriers; Clubfoot; Experience; Disability; Treatment; Perceptions
Wanjiru N. Experiences of Parents/Caregivers of Children with CongenitalTalipes Equinovarus: A Qualitative Study. Ann Physiother Clin. 2018; 1(2):1006.