Effect of implementing an educational module on improving mothers knowledge, home management and attitude about febrile convulsion

Abstract

Background/Objective: Febrile convulsions (FCs) are the most common convulsive disorder of childhood, and represent a benign condition in children. FC occurrence can affect negatively on the familial quality of life and the parents may experience anxiety and fear with every time child develops fever. Therefore, parents and care givers should be educated about febrile convulsion and its home management.  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of implementing an educational module on mother's knowledge, home management and attitude about febrile convulsion.

Methods: A quasi experimental research design using one group pre & post-test was used. The study sample included 107 mothers of children with febrile convulsion according to statistical consultant and statistical formula. The inclusion criteria were: all mothers of children with first or recurrent FC and the children age was from 6 months to five years. The study was conducted at the Emergency department, outpatient clinic and medical word affiliated to Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Egypt.   

Results: It was found that, fifty two percent (52.3%) of studied children were boys with the mean age were Mean ± SD 2.76 ± 1.30 for children and 30.29 ± 6.41 for mothers. Percentage of studied mother with good knowledge at base line was low (11.2%) while, this percentage was improved to 65.4% with a mean knowledge score 3.98 ± 2.18 before module and 9.70 ± 1.56 after module implementation. In addition, sixty four percent (64.4%) of studied mothers had inappropriate practice and home management compared to less than half (44.9%) after module implementation; the difference was statistically significant (p = .005). Only 25.3%  of mothers had positive attitude about febrile convulsion before module implementation and this percentage was improved to 57.9% after module implementation with the mean score of attitude 18.42 ± 5.84 before module and 24.71 ± 6.76 post module implementation and the difference was statistically significant (p = .025).

Conclusions: The study concluded that, the use of educational intervention programs and mothers support group were influenced positively in improving mothers’ knowledge, home management & attitude about FC and its management; but still some mothers having inappropriate home management and negative attitude. Therefore, it is recommended further education in the pediatric clinic or via mass media.