Abstract
Introduction: Vulvovaginitis is described as a common self-limiting paediatric
gynaecological condition. Parents’ experiences of their child being diagnosed with this
condition and subsequent treatment have not previously been described.
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore parents’ experiences of their child’s
diagnosis and management of vulvovaginitis.
Study design: The study was conducted in the North West of England over a two-year
period. Qualitative data were generated by semi structured in-depth interviews.
Mothers of nine children with vulvovaginitis consented to participate. Data were
analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: The analysis of the data resulted in four themes; Trauma and uncertainty of
initial symptoms, seeking a diagnosis; an uncertain journey, managing the symptoms; a
process of trial and error and managing the impact; keeping it private. Parents
experienced a difficult and protracted journey to their child’s diagnosis and were
involved in a process of trial and error to try and monitor and manage what can be a
difficult ongoing condition.
Discussion: Clinical reports suggest that vulvovaginitis is a minor childhood condition;
this is not necessarily the perceptions and experiences of parents, who can experience
uncertainty and ongoing difficulty following their child’s diagnosis.
Conclusion: The diagnosis of vulvovaginitis can have a major and ongoing impact on
children’s and their family’s lives.
gynaecological condition. Parents’ experiences of their child being diagnosed with this
condition and subsequent treatment have not previously been described.
Aim: The aim of this study was to explore parents’ experiences of their child’s
diagnosis and management of vulvovaginitis.
Study design: The study was conducted in the North West of England over a two-year
period. Qualitative data were generated by semi structured in-depth interviews.
Mothers of nine children with vulvovaginitis consented to participate. Data were
analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: The analysis of the data resulted in four themes; Trauma and uncertainty of
initial symptoms, seeking a diagnosis; an uncertain journey, managing the symptoms; a
process of trial and error and managing the impact; keeping it private. Parents
experienced a difficult and protracted journey to their child’s diagnosis and were
involved in a process of trial and error to try and monitor and manage what can be a
difficult ongoing condition.
Discussion: Clinical reports suggest that vulvovaginitis is a minor childhood condition;
this is not necessarily the perceptions and experiences of parents, who can experience
uncertainty and ongoing difficulty following their child’s diagnosis.
Conclusion: The diagnosis of vulvovaginitis can have a major and ongoing impact on
children’s and their family’s lives.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-16 |
Journal | Journal of Pediatric Urology |
Early online date | 27 Jul 2019 |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 27 Jul 2019 |
Keywords
- Parental Experiences
- Vulvovaginitis
- Diagnosis
- Management