Knowledge and practices among Mothers about Care of their children with Beta Thalassemia Major: A descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia is a major health problem in Jordan that requires extensive attention and management. Aim of the study: to assess the current knowledge and care practices of mothers of thalassemia children about thalassemia. Design: A descriptive design was used. Subjects: A purposive sample of mothers with thalassemic children (45 mothers) was used. Tools: A structured questionnaire to assessed demographic data, knowledge, and care practices of mothers regarding thalassemia. Results:The majority of mothers had low levels of knowledge regarding thalassemia and the majority practiced the administration of Desferal tablets incorrectly. No significant association was found between knowledge and care practices of mothers and their socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Jordanian mothers of thalassemic children do not have adequate knowledge on thalassemia and their practice towards their children in dealing with thalassemia was very poor. Recommendations: Health education programs on knowledge and care practices about thalassemia be introduced for mothers of thalassemic children in every public hospital in Jordan.

Caregivers burnout of their children with thalassemia

“…Regarding to marital status of the studied caregivers, the results of the current study revealed that, majority of studied caregivers were married. These results approved with study performed by Khresheh et al [18], whose conduct study in jordan (study sample equal 45 mother of children with thalassemia major) and entitled as "Knowledge and practices among Mothers about Care of their children with Beta Thalassemia Major" who found that 90% of studied caregivers were married. From the researcher point of view, these results might be due to the fact that marriage in Egyptian culture is better for female.…”