Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Sohag University, Egypt
2
Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, South-Valley University, Egypt
3
Assistant Professor of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni-Suef University, Egypt, Badr University in Cairo
4
Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University
Abstract
Egyptian mothers with autistic children have experienced psychological harm as a result of the
coronavirus pandemic 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. Social distance prevented mothers with autistic children
and their therapists from providing face-to-face assistance, preventing them from taking part in outpatient
therapy, and preventing them from remaining at home. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of web-
based education on mothers’ anxiety regarding behavioral changes among their children with autism during
the Covid-19 lockdown. Subjects and method: A purposive sample of 200 women with autistic children
living in Sohag City, Egypt, participated in this study using a quasi-experimental research approach. Five
tools were used in this study: A self-administered questionnaire, the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System,
The ASD Behavior Inventory, The Short Sensor, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The link to the survey
using the questionnaire, the scale, and the web-based education content was sent to the participants' mothers
through Facebook and WhatsApp groups. Results: More than one-third of the participants in the study
displayed an increase in repeated and constrained behaviors. Before the web-based education, mothers'
anxiety was high; after the web-based education, it was low. Conclusion: The web-based education has a
beneficial impact on lowering mothers' anxiety about behavioral changes in their autistic children during the
Covid-19 lockdown. Recommendations: By offering mothers psychological assistance, web-based
education about the behavioral changes seen in autistic children, COVID-19, and its preventive strategies
should be taught to all mothers.
Keywords
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