Mothers’ Knowledge and Reported Practice Regarding Inhalation Therapy for their Children Suffering from Croup

Abstract

Background: Croup is one of the most common causes of upper airway obstruction in young children. It is characterized by sudden onset of barky cough, hoarse voice, inspiratory stridor and respiratory distress caused by upper airway inflammation secondary to a viral infection. Mothers’ Knowledge and Reporting Practice constitute a major factor in helping to achieve successful control of croup in children. Aim: assess mothers knowledge and reported practice regarding inhalation therapy for their children suffering from croup. Design: A descriptive analytic design was used to accomplish this study. Settings: The study was carried out in inpatient units at pediatric department and outpatient pediatric clinic affiliated to Benha University Hospital and Benha Specialized Pediatric Hospital. Subjects: A convenient sample of 100 mothers accompanying their children with croup at previously mentioned settings. Tools of data collection: Two tools were used: Tool (1) Arabic Structured Interviewing Questionnaire Sheet including two parts: a) Mothers and children characteristics. b) Mother’s knowledge about croup and inhalation therapy. Tool (2) Observational check lists, to assess mother s reported practice regarding inhalation therapy, physiotherapy and care of fever. Conclusion: More than half of the studied mothers had inadequate knowledge and unsatisfactory level of practice about croup and inhalation therapy .The low knowledge and incorrect practice of mothers mostly affected by residence (rural), low educational level of mother, age (less than 30 years and more than 40 years), occupational status (housewives) and dis attending training courses. The study recommended and emphasized the importance of: Improve the knowledge and practice of mothers by provide adequate education to mothers about croup cause, signs , symptoms, risk factors, complications and treatment with focus on inhalation therapy by encourage the role of media, nongovernmental organization and health workers .