Effect of Health Educational Program on Knowledge, Practices and Attitudes of Mothers toward Child Maltreatment

Elbialy, Amira A.; Elsayed, Zeinab Elsayed Hafez; Khaton, Samia E.; Elsehry, Nahed Karam Mohmoud

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2023.319662

Effect of Health Educational Program on Knowledge, Practices and Attitudes of Mothers toward Child Maltreatment

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

² lecturer of pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

³ Assistant professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

10.21608/tsnj.2023.319662

Abstract

Background: Childhood is a critical phase of human life. Aim: To evaluate the effect of
educational program on mothers' knowledge, practices and attitudes toward child
maltreatment. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Setting: the study
was carried out at the two largest medical health centers at Tanta city. Sample: A convenient
sample of 210 mothers who attended previously mentioned settings for any reason was
involved. Tools: Two tools were utilized. Tool I: A structured interview schedule was
including 4 parts. Part I: Socio- demographic characteristics of mothers. Part II: History of
exposure of mothers' children to abuse. Part III: Knowledge of mothers toward child
maltreatment. Part IV: Mothers' Reported practice toward child maltreatment. Tool II:
Attitude toward Child Abuse that was developed by UNICIF& European Union 2017.
Results: half (50%) of mothers reported that their children had previous exposure to abuse.
Statistically significant difference was observed between mean scores of their total
knowledge, attitude and practice pre and one month post educational program ( t = 12.641, p
= 0.000). Conclusion: The educational program improved the abusive behaviors, negative
attitudes and enhanced level of knowledge among studied mothers by meeting their
educational needs. Recommendation: Community-centered health promotion approach and
child support organizations ought to work on eliminating child neglect through involving
parents and other intimate persons in child maltreatment prevention programs. Besides,
educational booklets about child maltreatment inhibition must be distributed to mothers in all
health care departments.