A Survey of Parents' and Carers' Perceptions of Parenting a Child With Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Abstract

Purpose: To explore parents' and carers' perceptions of parenting a child with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of a questionnaire of parents and carers of children with hip dysplasia. Data analysis was guided by qualitative content analysis.

Results: There were 753 responses describing a range of parenting experiences. Three themes emerged: arduous parenting , detailed the parenting challenges, both practical and emotional posed by the management of DDH; insufficient understanding , described the social disconnection experienced by the respondents due to a lack of empathy from others; inconsistent guidance , encompassed respondents' reliance on health professionals for information and support, yet frustration at variability in the management of DDH.

Conclusions: Overall, having to care for a child with DDH has a negative effect on the practice of parenting. Health professionals can support parenting and provide consistent education to assist parents' understanding of the complex nature of DDH management. What this study adds to the evidence: Despite a good prognosis, the diagnosis of hip dysplasia has a negative effect on of parenting. Parents and carers of children with hip dysplasia rely on the support of health professionals but find the associated loss of parenting autonomy distressing.