Uncertainty and Coping of Hospitalized Children’s Mother in an Orthopedics Ward

Abstract

2Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the uncertainty and coping of hospitalized children’s mother in an orthopedics ward. Methods: A total of 132 mothers of hospitalized children’s mother in an orthopedics ward participated in study. Data were collected from January 18, 2013 to September 18, 2013. The questionnaires measured the participants' responses according to the parents' perception of uncertainty scale, appraisal of uncertainty scale, coping health inventory of parents, and characteristics. Results: The uncertainty of hospitalized children's mother was related to hospitalization experiences except for orthopedic ward (F=-3.26, p=.001). The appraisal of danger by participants was also related to hospitalization experiences except for orthopedic ward (F=-2.39, p=.018). Coping was related to birth order (F=3.50, p=.033), perceived economic status (F=3.39, p=.037), and number of children (F=4.86, p=.009). Uncertainty was correlated with appraisal of danger (r=.41, p<.001), appraisal of opportunity (r=-.46, p<.001). Appraisal of opportunity was correlated with appraisal of danger (r=-.43, p<.001) and coping (r=.22, p=.011). In terms of the factors influencing coping, there were number of children (β=.22), appraisal of opportunity (β=.19), and perceived economic status (β=-.17). Conclusion: The results indicated that uncertainty correlated with appraisal of danger, appraisal of opportunity and coping. Factors influencing coping were number of children, appraisal of opportunity, and perceived economic status. Therefore, it is recommended the efforts to encourage mother’s appraisal of opportunity for improving their coping on their children’s hospitalization.