How a child's gender mediates maternal care and expectations in the fatigue experiences of adolescents with sickle cell disease

Despite the chronicity and biopsychosocial significance of fatigue in sickle cell disease (SCD), it is rarely prioritized understanding illness experiences social consequences SCD for children, young people their families. This study examined fatigue's meaning with SCD. examination involved perspectives on parental (maternal) care/support. We adopted a constructivist grounded theory approach. Data was gathered from 24 purposively sampled adolescents Ghana. A multi-method approach, combining semi-structured photo-elicitation interviews, used to generate data ensure comprehensiveness credibility. The findings indicated that perceived gender mediate mothers’ care expectations. According them, interpretations them were dependent gendered cultural norms. girls described mothers as prioritizing ability conform expectations over limitations. By contrast, boys presented meeting In conclusion, parenting practices influence adolescents’ status, sense self, pursue independence self-care. Consequently, (gender) should be considered education family interventions targeting chronically-ill children.