Healthy Mothers Healthy Families, Health Promoting Activity Coaching for mothers of children with a disability: Exploring mothers' perspectives of programme feasibility.
Vanessa Harris, Helen M Bourke-Taylor, Monica Leo
PMID 35633058WHAT IT FOUND
Mothers of children with disabilities valued brief health coaching from their child's OT, feeling 'seen' rather than just a caregiver.
They found the accountability helpful but noted the programme required their own effort to change habits, and did not replace medical care.
Key findings
01Mothers reported feeling previously ignored or 'brushed aside' by health professionals regarding their own well-being, but felt comfortable discussing personal health with their child's OT due to an existing therapeutic alliance.
02The programme was perceived as a 'mindset changer' that helped mothers recognise their own health needs, though they emphasised it was not a 'magic program' and required significant self-determination and effort to achieve goals.
03Mothers had mixed preferences for resources: some favoured the tactile activity workbook for quick access, while others preferred the website for its relatable video content and mobile accessibility.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample size was very small (seven mothers), limiting transferability of findings. The study was conducted during COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria, which may have impacted engagement and stress levels differently than in other contexts. Participants were recruited from a specific service provider and may not represent the broader population of mothers of children with disabilities. The study explored feasibility and perspectives, not clinical outcomes or efficacy.
Declared interests
The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret this study as evidence that the HMHF-HPAC programme effectively improves maternal health outcomes. It is a qualitative feasibility study of seven mothers' perspectives, not a trial measuring efficacy or health changes.