Experiences of Korean mothers of children with cancer: A Photovoice study

Abstract

Using Photovoice, a participatory action research methodology, we investigated Korean mothers' lives postdiagnosis of their child with cancer. Photovoice was used to understand the mothers' perceptions of how they have adapted to their children's illnesses. Five mothers of children with cancer participated in five sessions of the Photovoice project, during which they took and shared photographs and narratives about their experiences and joined weekly group discussions on their selected themes. The following themes and subthemes emerged: "What I would like to do (taking a break, socializing with friends, spending time with other family members, developing my career)," "My child and food (whatever my child wants to eat, love of family)," "My days for my child (doing what my child wants to do, being a playmate, changing for my child)," and "Power sources for me (family, courage of children, mom is strong, hope)." Having a child with cancer greatly affects the mother's social and work lives as well as emotional well-being. Services and programs such as respite care, parenting education, and psychological support are recommended based on the study findings.

The parental experiences of caring for children with childhood cancers in Singapore: a pilot focus group study

“…Overall, the current results were consistent with those reported in western research 6 and Asian studies. 17 Despite cultural differences in quality of life between Singaporean caregivers and those in western countries, 8 the broader constructs of emotional and interpersonal experiences among parents of children with cancer appear universal across cultures. 6 However, the processes by which parents go through these experiences may differ in terms of the way they perceive, react and cope with their child's cancer.…”

“…Following the cancer diagnosis, parents reported experiencing significant emotional distress. 6,11,[17][18][19][20] In the current study, parents reported disrupted sleep quality, especially in the initial period of diagnosis, trauma and ongoing distress from caring for their child with cancer. As the child progresses to survivorship, parents continue to report uncertainty around their child' s health status.…”

The Experience of Pediatric Palliative Caregiving: A Qualitative Analysis From the Photographs of Meaning Program

“…13 Later, these photographs are shared publicly in order to enhance understanding of the participants and inspire multilevel change within communities. Photovoice has been used successfully in child caregiving populations including caregivers of children with cancer 14 and asthma. 15,16 Caregivers have noted that time/scheduling difficulties and guilt leaving their care recipient hinder accessing psychosocial services.…”

Use of Photovoice Methods in Research on Informal Caring: A Scoping Review of the Literature

“…research areas to gather information on community strengths and challenges 37 . Originally used with Chinese village women 35 , Photovoice research ranges from understanding issues related to mental health38 , learning difficulties39 , and experiences of cancer survivors40 .…”