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Evaluation of parental knowledge of Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases
W M Al-Eid1, S M Madi, S A Bahabri
1Department of Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Parental knowledge of pediatric rheumatic diseases is limited, with many holding incorrect beliefs. Health education programs are crucial for improving understanding and awareness of these chronic childhood conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Health Education
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- Pediatric rheumatic diseases are chronic conditions requiring significant parental understanding.
- Effective health education is vital for managing these diseases and improving patient outcomes.
- Limited parental knowledge can impede disease management and family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental knowledge of pediatric rheumatic diseases.
- To evaluate the role of health education in parental understanding.
- To inform the development of public health education programs.
Main Methods:
- A 20-question multiple-choice questionnaire administered to 100 parents of children with rheumatic diseases.
- Assessed parental awareness of diagnosis, duration, information sources, satisfaction, and general disease/treatment knowledge.
- Data collected during routine clinic visits at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center.
Main Results:
- The overall mean knowledge score was 11.6 out of 23.
- A majority of parents held misconceptions about pediatric rheumatic diseases.
- Treating physicians were the primary information source, with generally satisfactory parental feedback.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a significant need for enhanced health education regarding pediatric rheumatic diseases.
- A simple questionnaire can effectively assess parental knowledge levels.
- Developing targeted public health education plans is recommended to improve awareness.
Objective:
To investigate the parental knowledge of pediatric rheumatic diseases in general, and in particular information regarding their children's diseases. To focus on the important role of health education in understanding these chronic diseases, and formulate a future plan for establishing a general public education program.
Methods:
One hundred sets of parents, of children with established rheumatic diseases with mean duration of illness, (4.1 +/- 2.83), a mean child age (9.9 +/- 3.15) years, were given a 20 multiple choice questionnaire during their routine visit to the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic and Physiotherapy Department or to the pediatric ward at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over a 6-month period between December 1998 and June 1999. The questionnaire addressed 4 main areas: 1. parental awareness regarding their children's diagnosis and duration, 2. source of information and parental satisfaction, 3. general knowledge about rheumatic diseases and 4. knowledge about medical and physical therapy. The total possible score is 23.
Results:
The overall mean score is 11.6. The mean total score is not affected by the parental education level. The majority of parents have wrong beliefs, regarding rheumatic diseases. The treating physician is the main source of parental information and in the majority of the parents, this information is satisfactory.
Conclusion:
The questionnaire is a simple and easy test to investigate parental knowledge regarding pediatric rheumatic diseases. The survey shows the need for health education programs and a future general public health education plan to improve awareness of pediatric rheumatic diseases and maybe other chronic illness.