Pediatric Nursing for Appropriate Healthcare Environment Based on United Nations Convention on Rights of Child

Abstract

Children’s rights and decision-making are central to pediatric nursing care for patients and their families. This descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional study aimed to identify school children’s perceptions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and their healthcare decision-making and strengthen pediatric nursing practices in consideration of children’s rights. From September to November 2015, a questionnaire was administered to 525 healthy 9–12-year-old fourth- to sixth-grade students attending a typical elementary school in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square test, Bonferroni’s test, and φ coefficient. A logistic regression analysis was performed with forced imputation and likelihood ratio of increasing variables to examine the factors influencing UNCRC application. UNCRC was well known to 11-year-old children who had been hospitalized. Many children who needed explanations came from families of four and had been given explanations. The factor that influenced the knowledge of UNCRC was hospitalization. Nursing orientations based on school-aged children can help create an appropriate healthcare environment for pediatric patients and their families, but further validation is needed using other qualitative research methods.