Effect of Nursing Intervention on Parents 'Awareness regarding Health Problems of their Children Suffering from Cystic Fibrosis.

Abstract

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the effect of nursing intervention on parents’ awareness regarding health problems of their children suffering from cystic fibrosis. Research design: A quasi-experimental study design was used (pre/post). Sampling: A purposive sample involved 50 parents (mothers or fathers) of children suffering from cystic fibrosis Settings: The outpatient department (OPDs) at Children's Hospital and specialized OPD affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. Tools: Data collected through using Tool I: an interviewing questionnaire included parents and children characteristics, parents' knowledge regarding cystic fibrosis, health problems, cystic fibrosis compliance management and reasons for poor cystic fibrosis compliance managements. Tool II: Parents self- reported practice included care of children with CF in relation nebulizer sessions, hand washing, enema care and assessing skin elasticity during dehydration. Results: After implementing the nursing intervention most of the studied parents had satisfactory level of knowledge regarding CF disease and satisfactory level of reported practice regarding care of their children. Conclusion: Nursing intervention had a positive effect on parents having children with CF in relation to improving their knowledge and reported practice, there was negative correlation between parents' total knowledge and total reported practice pre the intervention compared to positive correlation post the intervention. Recommendation: Further studies are needed to assess factors affecting parents’ compliance with CF management for their children