BRAY, LUCY

DOYLE, SARAH

MCKENNA, JACQUELINE

English

Introduction: Vulvovaginitis is described as a common self-limiting paediatricgynaecological condition. Parents’ experiences of their child being diagnosed with thiscondition and subsequent treatment have not previously been described.Aim: The aim of this study was to explore parents’ experiences of their child’sdiagnosis and management of vulvovaginitis.Study design: The study was conducted in the North West of England over a two-yearperiod. Qualitative data were generated by semi structured in-depth interviews.Mothers of nine children with vulvovaginitis consented to participate. Data wereanalysed using thematic analysis.Results: The analysis of the data resulted in four themes; Trauma and uncertainty ofinitial symptoms, seeking a diagnosis; an uncertain journey, managing the symptoms; aprocess of trial and error and managing the impact; keeping it private. Parentsexperienced a difficult and protracted journey to their child’s diagnosis and wereinvolved in a process of trial and error to try and monitor and manage what can be adifficult 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 experienceuncertainty and ongoing difficulty following their child’s diagnosis.Conclusion: The diagnosis of vulvovaginitis can have a major and ongoing impact onchildren’s and their family’s lives

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Parental experiences of their child's vulvovaginitis: a qualitative interview study.

https://research.edgehill.ac.uk/ws/files/21066488/acepted_manuscript.pdf

Parental experiences of their child's vulvovaginitis: a qualitative interview study.

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