Knowledge and Performance of Mothers Having Children with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death for children worldwide. More than 80% of children with cancer are cured in high-income countries, but only 20% are cured in many low-income countries. Aim: To assess the knowledge and performance of mothers having children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Research design: Descriptive research design was used in the current study. Sample: A purposive sample of 35 mothers having children with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy participated in the study. Setting: The current study was conducted at the pediatric unit at Minia Oncology Center. Tools:Tool (I): Structured Interview Sheet: covered the personal data of the mothers and the characteristics of the child; Tool (II): mothers Knowledge Assessment Sheet and Tool (III): mothers Performance Assessment Sheet. Results: There was lacking knowledge and performance of mothers having children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. There were no statistically significant relationships between the total mean scores of mothers' knowledge and total mothers' practice regarding childhood cancer and chemotherapy as well as their personal data as age, level of education, their children's age, gender and the child's rank in the family (p=>0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that the overall level of mothers' knowledge and performance was unsatisfactory. Personal variables have no impact on the knowledge and performance of the mothers. Recommendation: The study recommended that developing periodic educational programs and instructions to mothers having children with cancer undergoing chemotherapy would improve their knowledge and performance regarding childhood cancer and chemotherapy.