The Impact of Educational Program on Stress and Coping Strategies among Mothers Caring for Down Syndrome Children

Hanie Elkazaz, Rehab; Mohamed Mohamed, Fatma; Mousad, Hala; Abd Elsattar Ebied, Lnas

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2021.221375

The Impact of Educational Program on Stress and Coping Strategies among Mothers Caring for Down Syndrome Children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Ass. Prof. of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, port Said University

² Ass. Prof. of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University

³ lecturer of psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, port Said University

10.21608/ejhc.2021.221375

Abstract

Background: Down syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality linked to mental retardation. It does not only impede the development of the affected child but also poses a psychological threat to all other family members, particularly mothers. Aim: The study aimed to determine The Impact of Educational Program on Stress and Coping Strategies among Mothers Caring for Down Syndrome Children. Design: A quasi experimental design was used to conduct evaluate the Impact of Educational Program on Stress and Coping Strategies among Mothers Caring for Down Syndrome Children Settings: The study was conducted at Pediatric unit at outpatient unit affiliated to Ain shams University &Child Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic , The genetic counseling center affiliated to Ministry of Health Port –University .. Sample: A convenient sample of a total of fifty mothers and their children with Down syndrome aged 4-12 years participated in this study.. Tools of data collection: Three tools were utilized to collect data for this study; A structured Interviewing questionnaire sheet, psychological Stress Scale and Cope strategies scale regarding nursing care provided for children with DS. Results: nurses' knowledge regarding DS was unsatisfactory on pre intervention program phase, while there is a significant statistical difference pre and post intervention program implementation. There is a positive relation between mothers' knowledge, practice and pre and post program implementation. Conclusion: The implementation of coping strategies training program for mothers of DS children lowered their levels of psychological stress. , the studied mothers had a competence practice level in caring for children with Down syndrome. Recommendation: Enhancing mothers' understanding for value of educational program on the reducing stress of their children.

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