Coping Mechanisms of Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy in Rural Communities: The Narratives of Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy Mokhotlong, Lesotho

Abstract

While many caregivers of children with cerebral palsy experience various long-term challenges, others have coped and continued providing care to their children. Understanding how these caregivers cope and maintain care giving role, can help identify the support needed. However, research on the coping mechanisms of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Lesotho is scanty. The objective of this study was to explore the coping mechanisms of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Mokhotlong, Lesotho. Data was collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews from 12 caregivers (2 males and 10 females) selected using snowball sampling. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in Mokhotlong Lesotho, use a variety of coping strategies that complement one another. Religion helped them to accept and positively reinterpreted their children’s disability, which allowed them to find it easy to care. Financial resources, social support from the relatives and government grants helped them to address costs of care associated with cerebral palsy. The findings suggest that caregivers of children with cerebral palsy especially in rural communities, need social and financial support to address their children’s needs, which will lessen the psychosocial and economic burden that comes with caring for children with cerebral palsy. Also, the findings imply that social workers need to intensify the professional support and play an advocacy role for these caregivers.