By: Hager Gad Al-Kareem Hussein (1); Dr. Sahar Mahmoud Sayed Ahmad El Awady (2), Dr. Aliaa Othman El Afandy (3)

1 Supervisor of the neurological care unit at Sadr El-Minya Hospital,

2 Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing – Faculty of Nursing – Helwan University,

3 Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing – Helwan University

Abstract:

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP (is weakness or problems with using muscles and is caused by abnormal brain development or damage in the brain that affects a child’s ability to control muscles. Aim: This study aimed to assess mothers’ perceptions toward children who suffer from CP. Research design: A descriptive design was used. Sample: Convenient sample included 200 mothers who have children with CP. Setting: Pediatric outpatient clinic in Minia University Hospital. Tool of data collection: One tool an interview questionnaire that includes 5 parts, 1^st part is demographic characteristics, 2^nd part is the past medical history of mothers and children, 3^rd part the mothers’ knowledge, 4^th part: mothers’ reported practice, 5^th part: Mothers’ attitude scale. Results: 50% of studied mothers had poor knowledge. 30% had average knowledge and 20% had good knowledge about CP. 88% had unsatisfactory reported practice and 12% had satisfactory reported practice. 67 % had a negative attitude, and 33 % had a positive attitude. Conclusion: Most mothers had poor total knowledge about CP, most had unsatisfactory total reported practices, and more than two-thirds had negative attitudes about CP. There is a statistically significant relation between mothers’ sociodemographic data, knowledge, reported practices, and attitudes. Recommendations: Provide an education program for mothers and design booklets about CP.

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