Abstract:
This qualitative study was aimed to explore healthcare behavior of mothers of cerebral palsy children and their family support. The participants were 9 mothers who broght their children aged from 3 months-6 years old to seek for services at the outpatient department of Ratchanakarin Institute of Children Development (RICD), Chiang Mai province. Data were collected using in-depth interview. Qualitative data regarding healthcare behavioral data of mothers for cerebral palsy children and their family support were analyzed and presented using the content analysis technique.The results of the study revealed that health care behavior included 1) body cleaning, 2) disease and accident preventing, 3) food adequating, 4) elimination, 5) clear airway, 6) balancing activity and rest, 7) provide opportunity for interacting with other and being alone, 8) relaxation, 9) detecing abnormal symptom, 10) promoting development and rehabitation. Family support included Emotional Support, Information Support, Appraisal Support, and Instrumental Support was the crucial factor that encouraged the desired healthcare behavior particularly the support from their husbands. Sufficient supports have a critical reason leading to mothers healthcare behavior of cerebral palsy children.