Parenting children with mental disorders: challenges and coping strategies of parents of children with mental disorders at Komfo Anokye teaching hospital, Kumasi

ABSTRACT

This paper presents findings of a study that explored the challenges and coping strategies of parents of children with mental disorders. In-depth interviews were conducted with 35 parents of children with mental disorders at the Psychiatric Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicated that financial constraints, inability to secure permanent employment, and stigma were the challenges of the parents. Having faith in God and accepting their children’s condition were the coping strategies adopted by the parents. However, lack of effective support system makes coping difficult for the parents.

KEYWORDS:

• Challenges
• mental disorders
• parents
• psychological
• social support

Acknowlegdement

My utmost appreciation goes to the almighty God for bestowing on me the gift of life and the grace throughout this research process. I am also honored to thank all the staff and the parents of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital; Psychiatric unit for their cooperation in the course of the study. Finally, to all those who in diverse ways contributed to the success of this project. God Bless You All

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data Availability

Data that supported the study is available with the corresponding author on a reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

No external funding was received for the study