Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the study is to develop and to evaluate a internet-based social support program for the mothers of congenitally abnormal children. The theoretical basis of the study is the moderating effect model of social support theory (Cobb, 1976). Methods: In first phase, an internet support program was developed according to the practical web development stages proposed by Boling and Frick (2002). In the second phase, the internet support program was provided and evaluated to 18 mothers who reared congenitally abnormal children from March to May 2008. Results: In the first stage, demands of the program were collected from interviews of eighteen mothers of congenitally abnormal children of ages one to three. At the same time, literature review and validity of the contents were also examined. In the second stage, the correspondence of the program contents to the social support needed was also examined. In the third and fourth stages, prototype of the social program was prepared in documents and that of computer program was prepared. In the final stage, an internet-based web site was constructed. The social support provided by the web site were composed of informational support, emotional support and appraisal support including bulletin board system and chatting service. After program development, pre-tests and post-test were performed to investigate the effect of the program on maternal confidence and mood. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. The analysis showed that maternal confidence of post-test was improved than that of pre-test with statistically meaningful figure (Z=-2.54, p<.05). The positive mood of post-test was also improved than that of pre-test and the result was statistically supported (Z=-2.20, p<.05). Conclusion: It is suggestive that the internet based social support programs is accessible and appropriate service to congenitally abnormal children's mother. It is necessary to develop and use the internet based social support programs in public health system.
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