Being the Parent of a Child Who Had Surgery in the Covid-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Study

Abstract

The research was conducted to determine the experiences of parents of children who had surgery in the Covid-19 pandemic. The sample of the study conducted as a qualitative study, consists of 14 parents between November-December 2021. Data were collected by face-to-face individual interview technique via a semi-structured question form. The recorded interviews were transcribed using a voice recorder. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research were used to structure and report the study. 13 of the parents are mothers and the average age is 32 (SD=4.7) years. The children were admitted to the service for appendectomy (n=4), inguinal hernia repair (n=4), orchiopexy (n=2) and VUR treatment (n=4). According to results of the content analysis, two main themes and six sub-themes were determined. The sub-themes of the main theme “Covid-19 and Emotions Related to Hospitalization” were “loneliness”, “fear”, “anger” and “hopelessness”, while the sub-dimensions of the main theme “Coping” were “positive clinical atmosphere”, “family support” and “experiences of other parents”. Supportive approaches of health professionals towards children and their parents, sharing of parents with similar experience and continuing communication with family members have been identified as sources of support perceived by parents in coping with stress.