Abstract

AIM

To explore the information-seeking behaviors of Iranian mothers caring for children with leukemia during the transition to home-based care.

METHODS

Using conventional qualitative content analysis, data were collected from two specialized pediatric hospitals in Iran between July 2023 and March 2024. Fourteen mothers were purposively selected and participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman's (2004) approach.

RESULTS

Five main categories emerged, encapsulating the "Conscious striving of mothers of children with leukemia on a mindful journey to gain caregiving competence." These included: Mothers' persistent sensitivity and efforts to learn caregiving, Exchanging experiences with peer mothers, Seeking reassurance through interaction with healthcare professionals, Cautious use of social media, and Distrust of caregiving advice from relatives.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that mothers of children with leukemia, during the transition of care to the home, actively recognize their child's needs and the complexities of caregiving. They play a vigilant role in seeking, critically appraising, and applying information to enhance caregiving competence. These insights can inform the development of tailored educational and supportive interventions to empower parents, improve the quality of home care, and promote better health outcomes for children.

IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE

This study emphasizes the importance of personalized, family-centered oncology nursing that recognizes mothers as active partners in care. Effective support includes tailored education, peer support, and guidance in digital health literacy, while maintaining cultural sensitivity and prioritizing evidence-based practices. Providing nurses with specialized training and sufficient time is essential to ensure safer and more empowered transitions from hospital to home.

MeSH

Mothers, Leukemia, Education, Child