Socio-demographic factors relating to mothers' self-efficacy in preventing childhood diarrhea: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Aim: To determine the links between socio-demographic data of mothers living in at-risk micro areas and their self-efficacy in preventing childhood diarrhea. Methods: This is a longitudinal study conducted in Fortaleza, with 90 mothers of children under five years of age. Data collection was performed through the use of the Maternal Self-efficacy Scale for Childhood Diarrhea Prevention (EADPI) and by telephone. Data were analyzed by chi-square tests and likelihood ratio. Results: Statistical significance in self-efficacy levels was found within the following variables: aged between 15 and 29 (ρ <0.001); married (p=0.035); consensual union (ρ=0.039); single (p=0.033); more than five years of schooling (ρ<0.001); per capita income lower than R$169.50 (ρ<0.001); per capita income more than R$169.50 (ρ<0.001); housewife (ρ<0.001); other occupations (ρ<0.001); and number of children (ρ<0.001). Conclusion: When nurses use the EAPDI they can monitor mothers' self-efficacy and use these results in conjunction with the socio-economic conditions of mothers that influence the occurrence of diarrhea in order to intervene with educational activities.