Vulnerabilities experienced by family members/caregivers of children with chronic conditions

Abstract

The objective was to know the vulnerabilities experienced by family members/caregivers of children with a chronic. Qualitative research supported by the theoretical framework of the French philosopher Roselló Un which 15 family members/caregivers of children with chronic conditions participated in the study. The information was collected in the years 2018 and 2019 and submitted to thematic analysis. The results are presented in three themes: The disease as an expression of the vulnerability of being a child; The child’s chronic illness as a condition of vulnerability of the family member/caregiver; The support of support networks: potentialities and vulnerabilities in the daily life of children with chronic conditions and family members/caregivers. Knowing the components of vulnerability experienced by the families of children with chronic conditions is complex, as it requires analyzing and reflecting on the situations these families face, considering their peculiarities, feelings, family organization and the accessibility they have to health services. Therefore, knowledge about the context in which these families are inserted is essential to establish an adequate planning of health actions aimed at promoting their well-being.

Keywords:
Child; Chronic disease; Family; Child’s health