RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Exploring adults’ recollections of growing up with childhood motor difficulties: a qualitative study using systematic text condensation
JF BMJ Open
JO BMJ Open
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP e084346
DO 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084346
VO 14
IS 8
A1 Zahlander, Johanna
A1 Fäldt, Anna
A1 Kirby, Amanda
A1 Johansen, Kine
YR 2024
UL http://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/8/e084346.abstract
AB Objective To explore the ramifications of childhood motor difficulties, providing insights into their impact and consequences over time.Design A qualitative study using semistructured individual interviews. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation.Setting Neonatal intensive care recipients born at Uppsala University Children’s Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, between 1986 and 1989, were enrolled in a longitudinal follow-up study and subsequently interviewed in 2019–2020.Participants 13 individuals in their early 30s, who met the criteria for developmental coordination disorder or performed below the 5th percentile on motor tests at 6.5 years of age, were interviewed. Those with co-occurring deficits in attention or social behavioural at age 6.5 were excluded.Results Two themes emerged: (1) lifelong challenges and (2) navigating the journey of motor difficulties: support, awareness and confidence. Five participants reported persistent motor difficulties. They adapted and integrated these challenges into their daily lives without feeling constrained. Parental support was crucial to their success, whereas support from schools was limited.Conclusion Adults who faced motor difficulties in childhood developed effective coping strategies, overcame challenges and now lead fulfilling lives. The findings stress the importance of parental support and understanding, addressing contextual factors and fostering positive attitudes and supportive environments to enhance well-being and participation.Data are available on reasonable request. The participants in this study have not consented to deposition of the data. Data also contain sensitive information on them and their families. Due to ethical restrictions related to protecting patient and participant confidentiality, all relevant data are available on request and approval from the Senior Registrar Clerk at Uppsala University. Interested researchers may contact the Senior Registrar Clerk (registrator@uu.se) to request the data used for the analyses in this paper.