RESUMO
The purpose of this study was to describe the processes by which HIV-infected mothers manage mothering. A semi-structured guide was used to facilitate discussion from a convenience sample of 15 mothers. The core category was "The Process of Living for My Children." "Leaning on God" was a part of "Taking Care of Myself" and reflected the ways in which the mothers used spiritual aspects to manage mothering and live with HIV infection. Leaning on God was an important tool in managing mothering and self-care. Health care providers can enhance this tool by being aware of their own values and beliefs.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/enfermagem , Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Mães/psicologia , Espiritualidade , Adaptação Psicológica , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Meio-Oeste dos Estados Unidos , Poder Familiar/psicologia , Religião e Psicologia , Autocuidado/psicologia , Papel do DoenteRESUMO
For numerous reasons, children of Mexican descent experience many health disparities. One strategy for addressing these disparities is to increase health promotion and protection behaviors that mothers use with their preschool children. Limited literature is available on such practices used by mothers of Mexican descent with their healthy preschool children. This study explored child health promotion and protection practices used by mothers of Mexican descent. A naturalistic design, guided by Spradley's ethnographic interview techniques, was selected for this study. The sample included 9 Mexican-descent mothers from an urban U.S. community with healthy preschool children. Despite significant challenges, participants promoted and protected the health of their preschool children by al cuidado (taking care) and by being al pendiente (being mindful) of balancing the health of their children's bodies, minds, and souls. Understanding these mothers' approaches allows the creation of culturally sensitive health programs that can build on existing maternal strengths.