Smoking Habits of In-family Caregivers of Children with Special Healthcare Needs: A Case Study

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Makenze Miller (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to understand the smoking habits of caregivers of children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) in an inner-city , low-income population. CSHCN have a chronic physical , developmental , behavioral , or emotional condition , which require more health and social services than children generally (McPherson et al. , 1998). Over 11 million children in the United States have a special healthcare need (DRC , 2009/2010). Caregivers who smoke are at risk of developing serious adverse health outcomes. Yet , there is little known about the smoking habits of caregivers of CSHCN. A qualitative descriptive design was used to elicit smoking history , frequency and triggers among caregivers of CSHCN who smoke. Data were collected using a semi-structured , one-on-one interview guide and a demographic survey. The interview was audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using content analysis. This case study uncovered feelings of guilt associated with smoking and caring for a CSHCN , smoking urges being predominately mental not physical , smoking as an escape , smoking as a social behavior and smoking as a stress reliever. This information contributes to understanding smoking practices of caregivers and emphasizes the need for continued research to further understand cravings and their relationship to caring for a CSHCN.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2017

Keywords

smoking, caregiver, special health care needs

Subjects

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