Impaired child, disabled parent? Parents’ perceptions of having a child with disability in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract: Having a child with disability (CWD) gives rise to implications for the parents. Social and psychological challenges are known factors, together with financial constraints and employment issues, which increase the risk of poverty. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore parents’ perception of and how their lives have been impacted by having a CWD. The methods consisted of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with parents of CWD specifically in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The ecological theory structured the analysis and used the concepts of stigma, marginalization and normalization to understand parents’ perceptions. Challenges described by parents were lack of governmental support, insufficient public services, the burden of care and financial issues. Opinions and reactions from society were stigmatizing and resulted in strained relationships with neighbors, friends and relatives. The feelings involved were worry and sorrows, but also hope, love and happiness. The found coping strategies were mainly to strive for public services and sufficient income, in combination with acceptance, retaining hope and turning to God. The study concluded that even if the parents were not impaired themselves, their experiences were many times similar to that of a person with disabilities.