Introduction

Studies on mothers of children with disabilities commonly report on their poor quality of life, high stress and mental health symptoms. However, the impact of caring for a child with disability on mother’s everyday activities is less understood. The aim of this study is to explore the everyday activities of north-east and south-east Asian (NESEA) migrant mothers of children with disabilities, living in Australia.

Methods

Informed by a grounded theory approach, this qualitative study used purposive snow-ball sampling to recruit NESEA mothers who had immigrated to Australia for at least two years and had at least one child with disabilities. Eleven mothers were interviewed. Grounded theory analysis was used to derive themes.

Results

The overarching theme is ‘Transforming’. Five subthemes emerged: 1) Journeying into the unknown; 2) Being the carer; 3) Being an immigrant; 4) Pillars of support; and 5) Empowered for everyday activities.

Conclusion

This study revealed the everyday activities and roles of NESEA immigrant mothers who have children with disabilities, their enablers and barriers in engaging in their valued activities and their positive transformation. Findings underpin the importance of facilitating mothers’ participation in activities and roles that promote their well-being. Service providers and policy makers can create opportunities for immigrant mothers to participate in health promoting activities.

中文翻译：

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不仅仅是母亲：对澳大利亚有残疾儿童的亚洲移民母亲的定性研究

介绍

对残疾儿童母亲的研究通常报告他们生活质量差、压力大和心理健康症状。然而，人们对照顾残疾儿童对母亲日常活动的影响知之甚少。本研究的目的是探讨居住在澳大利亚的残疾儿童的东北亚和东南亚 (NESEA) 移民母亲的日常活动。

方法

这项定性研究采用扎根理论方法，使用有目的的雪球抽样来招募移民到澳大利亚至少两年并至少有一个残疾孩子的 NESEA 母亲。11 位母亲接受了采访。扎根理论分析用于推导主题。

结果

总体主题是“转型”。出现了五个子主题：1）探索未知；2) 作为照顾者；3) 是移民；4) 支柱；5) 能够进行日常活动。

结论

这项研究揭示了有残疾儿童的 NESEA 移民母亲的日常活动和角色，他们参与有价值的活动和积极转变的推动因素和障碍。调查结果证明了促进母亲参与促进其福祉的活动和角色的重要性。服务提供者和政策制定者可以为移民母亲创造参与健康促进活动的机会。