Does arthritis influence perceived ability to fulfill a parenting role? Perceptions of mothers, fathers and grandparents

The presence of a painful, disabling chronic disease may have implications for perceived ability to fulfill a parenting role. The purpose of this rese arch was to examine the realities of parenting from the perspectives of mot hers, fathers and grandparents with arthritis using a combination of method s: a cross sectional survey and in-depth focus group discussions. There was consensus that pain, fatigue and restricted physical functioning combined to interfere with the parenting role. Overall, approximately 35% of the sam ple had experienced difficulties attributed to arthritis. A gender differen ce emerged with women reporting more difficulties in relation to caring for babies and toddlers, whereas men reported more problems as children grew o lder. Key themes concerned: physical limitations; practical and caring issu es; social factors; emotional response; hereditary risks and safety issues. Perceived inability to fulfill parenting roles resulted in feelings of fru stration, guilt, anger and depression. A number of positive outcomes were m entioned including children's increased awareness of the needs of others. L imitations of the methodological approach adopted are discussed. (C) 1999 E lsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.