Mothers' Perceptions on the Needs of Adolescent Children with Intellectual Disabilities at George Clinic, Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Study objective: This study explored mothers' perceptions of the social and emotional needs of their adolescent children with intellectual disability (ID) at George clinic in Lusaka.
Design: The qualitative method was utilized to conduct the study with the use of focus group discussions and home observations.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Sample: Nineteen mothers of adolescents with ID who no longer attend physiotherapy sessions at George clinic were purposefully selected for the study.
Measures: A structured interview guide was used to collect data from two focus group discussions while a Home Environment Potential Assessment (HEPA) guide was used to conduct a series of six observations on two homes.
Procedures: Participants were recruited during home visits after being introduced to the researcher by the field staff of Archie Hinchcliffe Disability International (AHDI). Participants were parents whose ID adolescent children had used physiotherapy in early childhood, but had stopped due to mobility problems.
Data Analysis: Interviews were transcribed and translated and meanings derived from the common themes which were synthesized into the final report.
Results: Mothers reported that adolescents with ID have social needs and emotional feelings like other people. However they face challenges when it comes to having their social needs met which leads to emotional difficulties. Inability to contribute to play and other interactions meaningfully leads to social isolation by peers. Mothers respond to these needs by putting in place ways in which the child can still continue to interact with peers, and other members of society. During the transition into adolescence and young adulthood, support from the public sector, such as special education, prompt primary health care provision and social services, is inadequate.
Conclusions: Despite the numerous challenges involved in raising their adolescent children, mothers still were able to articulate how they supported the child socially, and in so doing met his or her emotional needs as well. There is therefore need to formulate policies on adolescent transitional services.