Experiences of Brazilian mothers in pain management of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy.

Abstract

To understand the experiences of mothers of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) regarding the assessment, intervention, and reassessment of their children's pain. This is a descriptive-exploratory qualitative study, developed in light of Herbert Blumer's Symbolic Interactionism. Data collection involved interviews with 15 Brazilian women over 18 years old who self-identified as literate, had internet access, and were mothers of at least one child or adolescent with CP. Participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Three categories emerged: (1) Uncertainties and individualities in the assessment and reassessment of pain; (2) Challenges in seeking interventions for pain relief and (3) "<i>A domino effect, where everything goes wrong</i>": Impacts of pain. Mothers report ambivalent feelings of confidence and insecurity in managing their child's pain, especially by characteristics, frequency, and causes of pain. The interventions described are predominantly pharmacological. Mothers perceive healthcare professionals as devaluing their child's pain complaints, rarely seeking care for this symptom. Inadequate pain management can lead to negative outcomes for both children and caregivers.