Mothers' Measures Regarding Prevention of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and its Occurrence for their Children: An Assessment Study

Abstract

Background: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections, (URTIs) are the most common causes of both illness and mortality in children under five years. Effective measures for the prevention and control of upper respiratory tract infection should be integrated into health systems of all countries. Mothers are considered a connection between health care to educate children about the importance of minimizing respiratory tract infection. The aim of the study: The study aimed to assess measures of mothers regarding prevention of upper respiratory tract infection and its occurrence for their children. Research design: Descriptive design utilized in carrying out of this study. Subject: A purposive sample including 409 mothers and their children aged less than five years and suffering from upper respiratory tract infection regardless their gender. Children suffering from chronic illness were excluded from the study subjects. Setting: Pediatric outpatient clinic affiliated to Fayom General Hospital. Tools (I): A structured interviewing questionnaire sheet to assess characteristics of the children and their mothers to assess knowledge of mothers regarding measures for prevention of upper respiratory tract infection and its occurrence Tools (II): Mothers reported practices assessment sheet to assess mothers' reported practices’ measures for prevention of upper respiratory tract infection and its occurrence for their children. Results: Based on the study finding it was found that, there was a weak statistically significant correlation between mothers’ total knowledge scores and their total reported practices. Conclusion: The majority of mothers had unsatisfactory total knowledge regarding measures for prevention of upper respiratory tract infection and its occurrence for their children and less than three fifths of studied mothers had satisfactory total reported practice regarding measures for prevention of upper respiratory tract infection and its occurrence for their children. Recommendation: Implementation of mother classes program about upper respiratory tract infection and its prevention for their children in out- patient pediatric clinics.