Identifying the difficulties faced by parents of children with colostomy due to hirschsprung's disease: a phenomenological study

Abstract

Purpose: This study was carried out to determine the difficulties faced by the parents of children with colostomy due to Hirschsprung's Disease. Methods: This phenomenological study was conducted. The study included the parents of nine different children with colostomys from October 2017 to January 2018 and used the purposeful sampling technique. Data was collected by voice recorder and camera utilizing the in-depth interview method and a “Semi-Structured Interview Form.” Malterud's systematic text condensation method was used to evaluate the data. Results: The study identified three main themes of “first encounter”, “difficulties” and “coping”; and twelve subthemes regarding the difficulties experienced by parents of children with colostomy. However, it was determined that parents accepted this process by using coping methods that include positive attitudes and spiritual beliefs. Conclusions: Starting with the decision to open a colostomy on children, it is recommend for parents to have education by professional counselling on colostomy care, psychological counseling and social groups, family centered care that help expressing their feelings.