[Grandmothers, concepts and perceptions in caring for their grandchildren: qualitative study in a population from the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires]

Abstract

Grandparents are an important source in caring of grandchildren. In the world literature there are several contradictions regarding the positive, negative or no effects on the health of the grandparents by taking care of grandchildren. The aim of this study is to explore the concepts and perceptions of grandmothers, belonging to an insured population from the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, while caring for their grand-children. Method. Exploratory and descriptive study that used qualitative techniques for compiling the information. We made two focal groups with grandmothers aged 50-75 years old, who take care of their grandchildren at least 9 hours per week. Altogether 13 women took part, achieving the saturation of the speech. Transcription, analysis and triangulation of information was carried out from obtained data. Results. Maternal grandmothers are the most called. The purpose is to help the family while parents are at work. Being grandmother care-giver seems to be an implicit duty and an established thought, where the family is considered the best way of taking care of children. The majority agreed that taking care of a grandchild constitutes a very rewarding and even pleasant act, although it was also observed that those who spent more day hours taking care of their grand-children or that were living together with them, experiment stress, claims for lack of recognition, sensation of overcharge and depletions, and reported a worse health condition. Conclusion. Caring for grandchildren provides satisfaction, feelings of vitality and dynamism. On the negative side, can lead to stress, lack of personal time, health problems and confict with parents.