BATTLING STIGMA: A GROUNDED THEORY OF THE PROCESS OF COMBATING HEAD LICE

Sheila Kathleen Hurst

Background: Head lice infestation is a ubiquitous concern in the United States. Head lice are associated with social stigma and are typically managed by home management and social and school exclusion. Pesticides and chemicals are the most widely recommended treatments for head lice. These products used inappropriately have the potential to cause harm to humans and the environment. Anecdotal evidence and research studies indicate that there are inappropriate and unnecessary exposures of young populations and the environment to chemical treatments used to treat lice infestations. There is a gap between the knowledge about head lice and the information that those treating head lice receive and their actions taken to eradicate head lice infestation. Purpose: The purpose of this grounded theory study is to explore the decision-making process that caregivers use regarding management of head lice for their children. Method: Qualitative constructive ground theory Findings: Battling stigma: A grounded theory of the process of combating head lice emerged from the findings that parents described when they were confronted with decision making in the context of a stigmatized condition such as head lice. The process is cyclical and describes a variety of behaviors and actions that are guided by stigma and misinformation. The cycle repeats because parents learn experientially using misinformation to guide their decisions. The following constructs are included in the process: Perceived Equilibrium, Surprise Attack, Preparing for Battle, Combating, Coping with Aftermath, and Readjusting Sense of Self. Conclusion: The study highlights the actions and consequences that occur when parents react emotionally as opposed to using their everyday cognitive decision-making process for childhood illnesses. The consequences result in financial, health, and environmental harm. The process repeats and perpetuates ongoing stigma and misinformation concerning head lice. Nursing interventions and policy advocacy are necessary to provide a pathway for de-stigmatization of the condition and for more efficacious treatment with fewer health and environmental impacts. Applying the model to other stigmatized health conditions may give evidence for a much broader usage and utility of the model.

BATTLING STIGMA: A GROUNDED THEORY OF THE PROCESS OF COMBATING HEAD LICE

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Metrics

Details