First Aid Training Program for Mothers of Blind Children

Abstract

Abstract: Injuries are a common problem among blind and visually impaired children, therefore first aid measures for blind children must be performed properly to prevent further complications and potentially saving their life. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a first aid training program for mothers of blind children. A research design that used was a quasi-experimental study. Setting: The study was carried out at the Model Centre for the Care and Guidance of the Blind, affiliated to the Ministry of Social Solidarity. Sample All mothers accompanying their blind children (42 mothers) who were attended in the previously mentioned setting over 6 months period. For data collection one tool was used; a structured interviewing questionnaire to assess the blind children and their mothers' demographic characteristics, mothers' knowledge and reported practices related to first aid for injuries. Results of the study revealed that; wounds, dislocation, fractures, and epistaxis are the most common injuries that occurred among blind children. There were statistically significant differences between pre/post the first aid training program related to mothers’ total knowledge about first aid to injuries, where about three-quarters of studied mothers had unsatisfactory total knowledge pre program compared to slightly more than a quarter of them had unsatisfactory total knowledge post-implementation. Additionally, the majority of studied mothers had inadequate total reported practices pre program compared to more than two- thirds of them had adequate total reported practices post-implementation Conclusion: The first aid training program led to significant improvement in the knowledge and practices of studied mothers related to injuries and first aid measures applied for their blind children. Recommendation: Health education program must be conducted for mothers of blind children on injuries prevention and first aid measures as a routine service at all rehabilitation centers of the blind children.