Socioeconomic Challenges Faced by Mothers of Disabled Children: A Case Study of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

This paper aims to highlight the challenges faced by mothers of disabled children especially Cerebral Palsy (CP) children living in Karachi, Pakistan. CP is the most common childhood neurological disorder that is responsible for both physical and mental disabilities. The study addresses both the economic as well as social challenges for instance; health challenges, social challenges, economic and financial challenges, marital life challenges, job challenges, and future worries. The objective is achieved by Qualitative research design using in-depth interviews. Thirty mothers are interviewed in the study most of them are housewives while few are working mothers. It is revealed that all mothers whether they are working or housewives experience health challenges, social isolation challenges, and future worries for their children. However, few mothers experienced marital life and financial challenges. It is observed that apart from the said challenges working mothers also faced job challenges. The study concluded that a wide range of challenges is experienced by the mothers of children with CP. This paper provides valuable information for organizing awareness programs regarding the problems faced by mothers and disabled children.