Background Rwanda has made great progress since the genocide in 1994, but is still facing the challenge of reducing the high prevalence of stunted children. Childhood stunting is an indicator for multiple pathological disorders and gives an elevated risk of chronic disease in adulthood. Engaging fathers and a shared responsibility between two partners in childcare could improve children’s health and help decrease stunting among children in rural areas of Rwanda. Aim The aim was to describe at the primary healthcare level in Rwanda, registered nurses' perceptions and experiences of fathers’ engagement in childcare to prevent stunted growth in children. Method A qualitative field study at three community health centers in Huye district with a semi-structured interview form. A qualitative content analysis was made. Findings The perception among nurses was that it was important to engage fathers to prevent stunted growth in children. Fathers' low level of knowledge in childcare, and traditional gender roles were acting as the main barriers of fathers' engagement, communication campaigns and community training were presented as opportunities to improve the level of engagement of the fathers. Conclusion Fathers participate in childcare. Though, the process of changing traditional gender roles is slow. In order to make further progress the nurses has to emphasize communication between spouses and a shared responsibility for the childcare. More attention needs to be paid to sensitization of families as well as healthcare personnel regarding damaging stereotypes in a traditional Rwandan household.

Introduction: Le délirium est fréquent chez les adultes qui récupèrent d’une chirurgie cardiaque à l'unité de soins intensifs (USI), et les familles sont de plus en plus sollicitées à participer aux soins entourant cette complication. Cette étude avait pour but de décrire la perception qu'ont les infirmières et les infirmiers de la participation des familles dans les soins entourant l’évaluation, la prévention et la gestion du délirium en période postopératoire de chirurgie cardiaque à l’USI. Méthode: Un échantillon de convenance composé de 6 infirmières et infirmiers (âge moyen 38 ans) a été recruté dans deux USI de Montréal. Après avoir obtenu leur consentement éclairé par écrit, les participantes et participants ont pris part à une entrevue individuelle semi-structurée. Les analyses descriptives ont été réalisées selon la méthode de Braun et Clarke (2006). Résultats: Cinq thèmes ont été identifiés : 1) les familles peuvent être impliquées dans les soins entourant le délirium quand les patients ont atteint une certaine stabilité, 2) la participation des familles peut être facilitée par l’entremise du transfert d'informations, 3) la contribution des familles est utile pour la détection du délirium, 4) les familles peuvent prendre des mesures concrètes lorsque le délirium survient, et 5) la participation des familles est influencée par certaines caractéristiques. Conclusions: Cette étude suggère que les infirmières et les infirmiers perçoivent assez favorablement la participation de la famille dans les soins entourant le délirium en période postopératoire de chirurgie cardiaque à l’USI, selon le niveau de préparation et les caractéristiques de celle-ci. Mots clés: Chirurgie cardiaque, délirium, perception des infirmières, participation de la famille, unité de soins intensifs. / Introduction: Delirium is common in adults recovering from cardiac surgery in the intensive care unit (ICU), and families are increasingly solicited to participate in the care surrounding this complication. The aim of this study was to describe nurses' perceptions of family involvement in care surrounding the assessment, prevention and management of delirium in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in the ICU. Methods: A convenience sample of 6 nurses (mean age 38 years) was recruited from two Montreal ICUs. After obtaining written informed consent, participants took part in a semi-structured individual interview. Descriptive analyses were performed using the method of Braun and Clarke (2006). Results: The analysis revealed five themes directly related to nurses' perceptions of family involvement in care of the patient in delirium, namely: 1) families can be involved in delirium care once patients have achieved hemodynamic stability and neurocognitive orientation, 2) family involvement can be facilitated through information transfer, 3) family input is helpful for delirium detection, 4) families can take concrete action when delirium occurs, and 5) family involvement is influenced by certain characteristics. Conclusions: This study suggests that nurses perceive family involvement in delirium care quite favorably in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery in the ICU, depending on the level of preparation and characteristics of the family. Keywords: Cardiac surgery, delirium, nurse’s perception, family involvement, Intensive Care Unit