Papéis ocupacionais das mães cuidadoras de crianças com deficiência visual

Abstract

Introduction: The role of caregiver is historically associated with the female figure, and is intensified in the context of caring for children with visual impairments, a condition that significantly impacts child development and family dynamics, requiring mothers to be more involved in caregiving and to relinquish other occupational roles. The objective was to understand the occupational roles played by women who are mothers of children with visual impairments. Methods: This is an exploratory, qualitative study. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews and the application of the Occupational Roles List instrument, used as a supplementary resource. Data were analyzed using Bardin's content analysis technique. Results: Ten mothers participated in the study, and data analysis resulted in the identification of three main categories: the impact of the diagnosis on family and maternal life; occupational roles and their impact on identity; and support networks. Discussion: The diagnosis caused initial distress and required family reorganization, impacting maternal occupational roles by centralizing care, while family and institutional support was essential for the caregivers' balance and maintenance of their occupations. Conclusion: For the participants, family constitutes their primary support network, and the stronger this network, the greater their engagement in other occupations. The desire to reclaim and acquire occupational roles highlights the search for the reconstruction of their own identity.