Headland of Care: Mothers’ Experiences of Caring for Children with COVID-19

Background: Caring for children infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is highly challenging due to the diverse symptoms and complications. Mothers, in particular, face a unique crisis during their child’s illness. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of mothers caring for children with COVID-19. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis approach. A total of 13 participants were selected purposively, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with mothers of children diagnosed with COVID-19. Each interview lasted between 35 and 50 minutes. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA 10 software. Results: The analysis yielded an overarching theme of a "headland of care" comprising two main categories: (1) Children as hidden victims of COVID-19, with subcategories including psychological hazards, lack of family psychological support, death anxiety, and uncertainty regarding long-term consequences of COVID-19; and (2) Livelihood crisis, with subcategories including caregiver job concerns and hospitalization and treatment costs. Conclusion: The findings provide valuable insights for nurses and healthcare providers in recognizing the challenges mothers encounter when caring for a child with COVID-19. By delivering targeted education and support, healthcare teams can empower mothers, enhance their caregiving capacity, and mitigate the psychological and financial burdens associated with pediatric COVID-19 care.