Experiences of Parents of Children with Burn Injuries in a Tanzanian Referral Hospital: A Qualitative Consideration

Aims: Burns injuries are the most common causes of physical and psychological trauma in both children and parents globally. It is characterized by prolonged hospitalization, as well as reduced productivity of parents due to family conflicts and economic implications. This study aimed to reveal the experiences of parents of children with burn injuries in a developing context to inform future care directions and improvements to care.

Study Design: A qualitative exploratory study design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania in early 2014 over a 4 month time period.

Methodology: Four female participants were recruited via purposive sampling method. They participated in in-depth interviews as well as semi-structured questionnaires. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim later. Data analysis was done using a modified version of Colaizzi’s (1978) seven step approach, whereby themes and sub-themes were identified.

Results: Based on a thematic analysis of the transcripts of interviews, it was revealed that parents of children with burn injuries experienced a mix of positive and negative feelings and challenges associated with the medical procedures, nursing care, hospital environment, coping mechanisms, and impacts of hospitalization. The participants spoke of the balance of parents (i.e., skills, coping, assets), people (i.e., others for support, comfort); professionals (skills, compassion, resources) and place (i.e., hospital network and resources).

Conclusion: Parents of children with burn injuries experience a range of challenges immediately after the burn injury and during the hospitalization period. Thus, psychological support from a range of sources (personal, external, professional, social) is necessary to address, identify, and minimize these challenges, thereby improving the health care experience and overall well-being of the child and their parents.