Barriers Hindering Maternal Care of Children Suffering from Thalassemia: An Assessment Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Pediatric Nursing Department- Faculty of Nursing Ain-Shams University

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia is a group of genetic disorders of blood, characterized by decreased synthesis of one or two types of polypeptide chain (α or β) that form abnormal human hemoglobin molecules. Aim of this study: was to assess barriers hindering maternal care of their children suffering from thalassemia. Research design: A descriptive design was utilized in carry out this study. Setting: The study was conducted in Pediatric Hematology Outpatient Clinic at both Ain Shams University and Zagazig University Hospitals. Subject: A Purposive sample composed of 100 mothers (50 from each study setting) provided care to their children suffering from thalassemia. Tools of data collection: An interviewing questionnaire sheet that was designed by the researcher to assess barriers hindering maternal care of their children suffering from thalassemia. Results: Most of the studied mothers were having physical, psychological, nutritional, educational barriers and sleep disorders that hinder care of their children suffering from thalassemia. Conclusion: There are barriers that prevent the mothers from provide care of children with thalassemia and considers physical barriers as the main barriers are meeting the mothers when care her child with thalassemia. Recommendations: Periodic assessment of maternal practices in care of their thalassemic children and Identify barriers hindering maternal care.

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