Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Diseases in Pediatrics: How do Parents handle them at Home?

Abstract

Objective: to identify how caregivers of pediatric patients handle respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and analyze different aspects such as their rooting and safety; as well as the possible impact of such practices on communication between caregivers and pediatricians. Methods: a qualitative, narrative study conducted at the Roosevelt Institute in Bogota, Colombia, through twelve interviews with caregivers of hospitalized pediatric patients who were having respiratory or gastrointestinal acute symptomatology. It was inquired the initial handling of the symptoms and their experience in sharing these practices with the treating physician. Results: the interviewed group included caregivers between the ages of 20 and 42, with different levels of school education; it was found variability of response in the type of treatments to attend respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Within this variability, beneficial, safe or risky practices were identified for the management of these symptoms. Regarding communication, most caregivers feel that the physician does not provide a space to talk about it and if doing so they found rejection. Conclusions: some caregivers’ practices coincide with medical posture, and other practices, that should be corrected, were at high risk for children. The caregivers’ narrative needs to be integrated and validated to reduce dangerous practices that put children’s health at risk.