How a family is affected when a child is born with anorectal malformation. Interviews with three patients and their parents.

ABSTRACT

Increased knowledge about families with a malformed child affects nursing practice. This study illuminates the experiences and psychosocial situation of 3 patients with imperforate anus and their parents. A qualitative method has been used to analyze the data. We found that the parents' experiences of suffering were overwhelming and that the 3 patients had been depressed during periods. The patients were not as open as their parents; we need to devise better tools to explore and understand children's experiences. The children and their parents need special care and an opportunity to express their anxieties.