Abstract：
BACKGROUND: Raising a child with hydrocephalus can be very challenging, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Pakistan, mothers being the primary caregivers for their hydrocephalic children are under tremendous stress.
METHODS: This study explores the challenges faced by Pakistani mothers raising children with hydrocephalus, employing a qualitative methodology through focus group discussions comprising ten mothers of hydrocephalic babies at Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan.
RESULTS: The findings highlight three main themes: emotional toll, social isolation, and financial strain. Mothers experience significant emotional stress due to societal stigma and a lack of support, particularly from their husbands and family. Social isolation is prevalent, as mothers fear sharing their burdens and face physical confinement due to their children\'s needs. Financial strain is another major issue, with high medical costs adding to their economic difficulties.
CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasizes improved access to specialized care, awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, financial assistance, and stronger community support networks to support these mothers better. Addressing these unmet needs is crucial for empowering Pakistani mothers in their caregiving roles and improving the quality of life for their children with hydrocephalus.
METHODS: This study explores the challenges faced by Pakistani mothers raising children with hydrocephalus, employing a qualitative methodology through focus group discussions comprising ten mothers of hydrocephalic babies at Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan.
RESULTS: The findings highlight three main themes: emotional toll, social isolation, and financial strain. Mothers experience significant emotional stress due to societal stigma and a lack of support, particularly from their husbands and family. Social isolation is prevalent, as mothers fear sharing their burdens and face physical confinement due to their children\'s needs. Financial strain is another major issue, with high medical costs adding to their economic difficulties.
CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasizes improved access to specialized care, awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, financial assistance, and stronger community support networks to support these mothers better. Addressing these unmet needs is crucial for empowering Pakistani mothers in their caregiving roles and improving the quality of life for their children with hydrocephalus.
摘要：
背景：抚养患有脑积水的孩子可能非常具有挑战性，特别是在低收入和中等收入国家。在巴基斯坦,作为脑积水儿童的主要照顾者的母亲承受着巨大的压力。
方法：本研究探讨了巴基斯坦母亲抚养脑积水儿童所面临的挑战，通过焦点小组讨论采用定性方法，包括巴基斯坦三级保健医院的10名脑积水婴儿母亲。
结果：研究结果突出了三个主要主题：情感损失，社会孤立,和财务压力。由于社会上的耻辱和缺乏支持，母亲经历了巨大的情绪压力，特别是他们的丈夫和家人。社会孤立是普遍存在的，因为母亲害怕分担自己的负担，并因孩子的需要而面临身体上的禁闭。资金紧张是另一个主要问题，高昂的医疗费用增加了他们的经济困难。
结论：该研究强调改善获得专门护理的机会，提高认识运动，以减少污名，财政援助,和更强大的社区支持网络来更好地支持这些母亲。解决这些未满足的需求对于增强巴基斯坦母亲的护理能力和改善脑积水儿童的生活质量至关重要。
方法：本研究探讨了巴基斯坦母亲抚养脑积水儿童所面临的挑战，通过焦点小组讨论采用定性方法，包括巴基斯坦三级保健医院的10名脑积水婴儿母亲。
结果：研究结果突出了三个主要主题：情感损失，社会孤立,和财务压力。由于社会上的耻辱和缺乏支持，母亲经历了巨大的情绪压力，特别是他们的丈夫和家人。社会孤立是普遍存在的，因为母亲害怕分担自己的负担，并因孩子的需要而面临身体上的禁闭。资金紧张是另一个主要问题，高昂的医疗费用增加了他们的经济困难。
结论：该研究强调改善获得专门护理的机会，提高认识运动，以减少污名，财政援助,和更强大的社区支持网络来更好地支持这些母亲。解决这些未满足的需求对于增强巴基斯坦母亲的护理能力和改善脑积水儿童的生活质量至关重要。
