Mães no período de situação pandémica por COVID-19: Das vivências às narrativas.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed many challenges for mothers of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age in managing the responsibilities associated with their social roles. Objective: To understand the meanings and contexts of the experiences of Portuguese mothers of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: Qualitative, descriptive, and retrospective study using Bardin's content analysis. The sample consisted of 16 mothers of children and adolescents up to 18 years of age. Results: Nine categories emerged - Feelings; Perception of health; Changes in health status; Significant experiences; Meaning of experiences; Difficulties felt during the pandemic; Difficulties felt in education; Difficulties felt as a mother and wife; and Impact on children's education. Conclusion: Most of the interviewed mothers considered the COVID-19 pandemic a significant period in their lives, giving rise to ambivalent feelings and distinct life contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]