Effect of Online Education on Mothers' Knowledge and Practice Caring for Children with Phenylketonuria

Abstract

Background: Phehydroxylase activity is deficient in phenylketonuria, an autosomal recessive disorder in which phenylalanine accumulates in the blood and body fluids. The study aimed to determine the effect of online education on mothers' knowledge and practice in caring for children with phenylketonuria. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was used in this study (pre/post-test). Setting: The research was carried out in a genetic counselling clinic in a basic health care facility affiliated with the Ministry of Health in Sohag City (MOH). Sample: A non-probability purposive sampling technique included 50 mothers and their children with Phenylketonuria. Tools: Two tools were used: Tool (I) Self-administering questionnaire included Part (1) demographic characteristics of the mothers and their children, Part (2) children's medical history, and Part (3) mothers' knowledge about phenylketonuria, and Tool (II) mothers' reported practice about phenylketonuria. Results: The study indicated that there was a statistically significant improvement in mothers' knowledge and reported practices caring for children with phenylketonuria post-online education than pre-online education. A statistically significant correlation was observed between mothers' knowledge and reported practices post-online education. Conclusion: The study results concluded that online education had positive effects on improving mothers' knowledge and practice in caring for children with phenylketonuria. Recommendations: Online education for mothers caring for children with phenylketonuria is recommended to increase their knowledge and reported practices.