Coping Strategies of Mothers of Children with Multiple Disabilities in Yobe State

This study explores the coping strategies employed by mothers of children with multiple disabilities in Yobe State, North East Nigeria. Mothers as primary caregivers of children with severe and multiple disabilities often experience disproportionate psychological, physical, and economic burdens, making their coping mechanisms a critical area of scholarly and policy attention. In Yobe State, which has faced significant humanitarian challenges and has limited formal disability support services, the lived experiences of these mothers are shaped by a unique intersection of disability, poverty, cultural expectations, and insecurity. Using a phenomenological qualitative design, the study conducts in-depth interviews with twenty purposively selected mothers of children with multiple disabilities across Damaturu and Potiskum. Interviews explore dimensions including problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, spiritual and religious coping, and social support networks. Data are subjected to interpretive phenomenological analysis. The study pays close attention to how cultural and religious beliefs mediate coping, and how informal social networks function in the absence of formal state support. Findings are expected to highlight the central role of religious faith and community solidarity as dominant coping resources, alongside significant unmet needs for professional psychological support. Recommendations include establishing community-based caregiver support groups facilitated by trained social workers and integrating disability caregiver support into North East Nigeria's humanitarian response frameworks. Keywords: coping strategies, mothers, multiple disabilities, Yobe State, caregiving.