Mothers' Knowledge and Practices for their Children with Sickle Cell Anemia At New Valley Governorate Hospitals

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder associated with multiple health complications including anemia and recurrent pain episodes. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the mothers' knowledge and practices for children with SCA at New Valley governorate hospitals. Design: A descriptive research design was utilized in this study. Subjects and method: This study included 45 mothers of children who were diagnosed with SCA. Setting This study was conducted in the inpatient pediatric unit and pediatric clinics at New Valley governorate hospitals. Tool: A structured interview sheet was utilized to collect the necessary data. Results: It was found that more than one third (40% ) of mothers had satisfactory knowledge. Slightly more than one third of mothers, (35.6%) had poor knowledge about SCA. It was found that half of mother's (51.1%) had satisfactory level of practice, while 48.9% had unsatisfactory level of practice regarding SCA. conclusion the low level of maternal education was a significant risk factor for the poor knowledge and poor practices of the mothers regarding management of SCA. Recommendations: Effective genetic counseling, neonatal screening test should be applied at the New valley governorate hospitals for early detection of SCA, and health education program sessions for mothers of children with SCA.