ASSESSMENT OF MOTHERS' ROLE IN CARE OF OPHTHALMOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN THEIR CHILDREN

Abstract

Childhood ophthalmic disorders can seriously impact on children's life. The consequences are especially severe in low resource settings where resources and education are lacking. Poor education and inability to fully participate in daily life greatly add to the difficulty and suffering those children with poor vision or blindness experience. Eye diseases in children are an important reason for medical consultation, as the children should receive prompt and proper eye care to avoid vision problems and eye morbidities. Pediatric ophthalmic disorders can arise because of events that occur during the prenatal or neonatal periods or childhood. Optical, orthoptic, medical and surgical interventions can be employed to manage pediatric ophthalmic disorders (Mehari, 2014). Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess mother's role in caring their children with ophthalmological problems. Research questions: 1- To what extent is the mothers' health awareness of prevention and care of their children with ophthalmological problems? 2- Are the mothers' socio-demographic characteristics affecting prevention and care of their children with ophthalmological problems? Subjects and methods: A descriptive research design was used in the current study. Settings: The study was conducted at the following ophthalmology outpatient clinics: • Ophthalmology hospital affiliated to El-Mansoura University hospital. • El-Demerdash hospital, affiliated to Ain Shams University. • Abou El-Reesh children's hospital, affiliated to Cairo University. Subjects: The study included 300 (5%) from total mothers accompany their children with eye problems (6000) attending previously mentioned settings.