Abstract
Introduction: Harmful
nature of epilepsy can affect the patient and their parent. Stigma, arising
from it, affects the patient and their family. To relieve it understanding the
experiences of the parent are useful. This study was aimed at understanding the
experiences of parent of child with epilepsy in Iran.
Methods: In
this interpretative phenomenological study, 10 parents who took care of their
child with epilepsy were participated. Data were collected through in-depth
semi-structured interviews. After transcription, data were analyzed using Van
Manen’s method.
Results: Family stigma emerged as a main theme in data
analysis with three subthemes including becoming verbally abusive, a dull and
heavy shadowed look, and associates interference.
Conclusion: Family stigma is a major challenge for parents
of child with epilepsy need to special attention by health system. Nurses, as a
big part of the system, can play an important role to manage this problem.