Effect of Whats App Teaching Program Reminder on Mothers’ Emotional Status Regarding Behavioral Changes among their Children with Autism

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University

2 Ass.Pro. of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University

3 Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University

4 Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Sohag University

Abstract

Background: Mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder report high levels of stress and
anxiety. Current Whats App teaching program reminder for ASD typically focuses on working with
the child to support mothers and improve their emotional status regarding behavioral changes. Aim:
The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Whats App teaching program reminder on mothers’
emotional status regarding behavioral changes among their children with autism. Subjects and
method: A quasi-experimental research design was used in the current study. Subjects: A
purposive sample of 300 mothers having children with autism residing at Menoufia Governorate,
Egypt was participated. Tools of data collection: Five tools were used in the study: A self
administered questionnaire, the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, The ASD behavior
Inventory, The Short Sensory Profile, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale to measure the
mothers' emotional status symptoms, and mothers' evaluation toward WhatsApp teaching program
reminder content. The link of the survey using the questionnaire, the scale, and the teaching
program was sent to the mothers through Facebook and WhatsApp groups. Results: The study
showed a decrease in repetitive and restricted behaviors in more than one-third of the mothers.
Mothers' emotional status (stress, depression, and anxiety levels) were severe pre-implementation of
the Whats App teaching program reminder and become lower post-Whats App teaching program
reminder implementation. Conclusion: The result concluded that the use of Whats App teaching
program reminder was effective in reducing mothers' emotional disturbance such as depression,
anxiety, and stress concerning the behavioral changes among their children with autism.
Recommendations: The result recommended that mothers should be trained about behavioral
changes among their autistic children and psychological support through the Whats App education
program should be implemented. 

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