Barriers Faced by Mothers Caring for their Children with Leukemia during COVID-19 Pandemic

El-Sayed Abdel-Haleem, Huda; Hassan Bayoumi, Madiha; Rady El-Said, Rasha

doi:10.21608/jnsbu.2023.307801

Barriers Faced by Mothers Caring for their Children with Leukemia during COVID-19 Pandemic

Document Type : Scientific peer reviewed journal

Authors

¹ Demonstrator in Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University

² Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University

³ Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University

10.21608/jnsbu.2023.307801

Abstract

Background: Mothers caring for their children with leukemia during COVID-19 pandemic
are facing several barriers. Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for more
deaths in developed nations than any other illness. Aim of the study: Was to assess barriers faced
by mothers caring for their children with leukemia during COVID-19 pandemic. Setting: This
study was carried out in Pediatric Oncology Inpatient Department at Benha Specialized Pediatric
Hospital affiliated to Specialized Medical Centers Secretariat. Design: A descriptive quantitative
study design was utilized. Subjects: A purposive sample of 91 mothers and their children aged
from 5 to 16 years old with leukemia. Tools of data collection: Tool I: A structured interviewing
questionnaire used to assess; personal characteristics of the studied mothers, personal
characteristics of the studied children and mothers’ knowledge about childhood leukemia and
COVID-19 pandemic. Tool II: Interviewing questionnaire sheet regarding barriers faced by
mothers caring for their children with leukemia during COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Less than
half of the studied mothers had inadequate knowledge about childhood leukemia and more than
half of them had inadequate knowledge about COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, social related
barriers were the major barrier constituting about more than two thirds. While, the less barriers
faced by mothers were major hospital related barriers constituting about more than half.
Conclusion: There was a highly statistical significant negative correlation between total barriers
faced by mothers caring for their children with leukemia during COVID-19 pandemic and their
total knowledge level about COVID-19. Recommendations: Designing and implementing an
educational program for mothers about COVID-19 and its effects on children with leukemia and
COVID-19 vaccination for children with leukemia.

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