Title of Work
Caring for a Child with a Disability in a Zambian Community: A Study Using Photo-elicitation
Document Type
Article
Publication/Presentation Date
1-20-2021
Journal Title
Child: Care, Health, and Development
Volume
47
Issue
4
First Page
422
Last Page
434
DOI
10.1111/cch.12851
Abstract
Background Over the past 25 years, caregivers of children with disabilities (CWD) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have received limited attention from researchers. Previous research identified the physical, emotional, and social challenges of caregiving in resource-limited areas. Researchers also identified protective factors, such as problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping. This study seeks to explore experiences of caregivers of CWD through participant-driven photo-elicitation, in a low-income subdistrict of Lusaka, Zambia. Methods Researchers considered the experiences of caregivers providing support to their children with disabilities (CWD). Ten parent participants completed this qualitative study using photo-elicitation. Parent participants completed an individual interview to describe their experiences reflected in the pictures they took. The research team used qualitative content analysis to identify the themes. Results Five general themes emerged from the data. The last two themes, “Also, a human being,” and “The community should learn,” are unique in research of CWD caregivers in LMIC settings. It indicates ways that these parents sought to encourage more inclusion and acceptance of their CWD in the community and to speak to other parents who might be struggling with providing care for their CWD. Conclusions This study expanded disability research to include perspectives from a low-income area in Lusaka, Zambia. In doing so, we acquire a new viewpoint and enhanced understanding of their community experiences. Practice considerations include encouraging disability advocates to continue their work of educating the community about the inherent dignity and worth of people with disabilities and supporting CWD's rights.
Recommended Citation
Hepperlen, Renee; Rabaey, Paula A.; Ament-Lemke, Amanda; and Manley, Hayley, "Caring for a Child with a Disability in a Zambian Community: A Study Using Photo-elicitation" (2021). Occupational Therapy Faculty Scholarship. 143.
https://sophia.stkate.edu/osot_fac/143