Parental care experiences of children with postoperative fracture pain from the perspective of Family-Centered Care and Health Belief Model: a qualitative study

Background In pediatric trauma, fractures are prevalent. Evidence indicates that approximately 75% of children continue to experience pain following orthopedic surgery. Effective management of postoperative pain presents a significant challenge in clinical practice. As primary caregivers, parents' active involvement in pain assessment and analgesic interventions is crucial for enhancing children's rehabilitation and improving treatment outcomes. However, systematic studies examining parental participation in managing postoperative pain for children after fracture surgery remain limited in China. This study aims to explore the personal experiences, challenges, and unmet support needs of parents caring for children with postoperative fracture pain in China through qualitative research methods. The findings will inform evidence-based strategies aimed at enhancing parental care effectiveness, optimizing postoperative pain management practices for children, and ultimately improving rehabilitation quality. Methods This study employed a descriptive qualitative design utilizing purposive sampling to select 15 parents of children with fractures who were admitted to the Orthopedics Department of a tertiary hospital in Shanxi Province, China, between June and July 2025. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with these participants. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the interview data. Results Three primary themes emerged from the analysis: 1. The marginalization of the family caregiving role; 2. Coping challenges arising from multifaceted burdens; 3. Discrepancies between medical support and familial needs. Conclusion Chinese parents face significant barriers in pediatric pain management. A family-centered approach, integrated with the Health Belief Model, is essential to empower parents, improve systemic support, and strengthen social resources for better family well-being and child recovery.