Perceptions of Health and Illness: A Qualitative Study of Jordanian Mothers

Abstract

Purpose: To explore: 1) the perceptions of Jordanian mothers of their children's health and illness; and 2) the strategies of Jordanian mothers regarding disease prevention and health promotion.

Design and methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used to select a sample of Jordanian mothers (n = 20) of children aged 6 to12 years. Semi-structured interviews generated data to which thematic analysis was applied.

Results: Four central themes emerged for Jordanian mothers' perceptions of their children's health and illness: physical, functional, wellbeing, and coping. Mothers used a variety of biomedical and psychosocial strategies for health promotion and disease prevention for their children.

Conclusion: Jordanian mothers' perceptions of health and illness were multidimensional. Mothers used positive strategies to prevent disease and promote the health of their children. The mothers overlooked some important aspects related to promoting children's health, such as minimizing the harm from tobacco and the importance of regular dental checkups.

Practice implications: Community or school-based health programs that target both children and their parents are needed to address the effect of smoking on children's health, highlight the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, and emphasize the role of exercise and healthy nutrition on children's health.

Keywords: Disease prevention; Health; Health promotion; Illness; Jordan; Mother-perceptions; Qualitative descriptive study.