Finding resilience and spiritual support: Jordanian mothers' experiences in caring for children with end-stage renal failure

This study explores the lived experiences of Jordanian mothers caring for children with End-Stage Renal Failure (ESRF) on dialysis, highlighting their emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual challenges, as well as the coping mechanisms they use. A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological approach was employed, with semi-structured interviews conducted with nine Jordanian mothers of children diagnosed with ESRF. Thematic analysis revealed two main themes: The Caregiving Burden and Spiritual and Practical Coping Strategies. The caregiving burden encompassed managing the child’s emotional distress, adhering to dietary regimens, and coping with the illness’s impact on family dynamics. Spiritual and practical coping strategies emphasized the role of spiritual beliefs in fostering resilience and the empowerment derived from acquiring caregiving expertise. These strategies enabled mothers to navigate the complex demands of caregiving. The findings underscore the multifaceted challenges faced by these mothers and the centrality of spiritual beliefs in enhancing resilience. They also highlight the importance of culturally sensitive interventions, including spiritual care programs and structured educational resources, to support maternal well-being and improve caregiving outcomes in pediatric chronic illness contexts.