Abstract
Objective
To explore the therapeutic itinerary for seeking care for children with physical disabilities by caregivers.
Methods
A descriptive qualitative design recruiting nine consenting caregivers of children with physical disabilities attending a Nigerian Teaching Hospital. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data on therapeutic itinerary which was defined as the paths taken by individuals to address their health problem. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Results
Emerging themes revealed that caregivers commenced therapeutic itinerary for their children upon observation of any impairments that go beyond casual illnesses. Lack of capacity in private hospitals, which serves as initial point of entry into care seeking, encourage vacillation into public hospitals, spiritual homes, and traditional clinics. Entry into physiotherapy was dependent on self-referrals, referrals by relatives, and physicians. Caring for children with physical disability significantly affected caregiver’s social life, finances, work; and unmet expectations for a child to get well as soon as possible encouraged continuous pluralism.
Conclusion and implications for the practice
Having children presenting with impairments and delayed milestones led to complex multiple health care seeking practices among caregivers. Thus, these caregivers become medical pluralists and covertly non-adherent to hospital treatment prescriptions.
Keywords:
Therapeutic Itinerary; Caregivers; Children; Physical Disabilities; Nigeria
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