First Aid Training Program for Families With Children With Intellectual Disabilities: Effects on Knowledge, Anxiety, and Stress

Abstract

The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of a first aid training program for parents of children with intellectual disabilities on their levels of first aid knowledge, anxiety, and ability to cope with stress. A pre-/posttest control group experimental design was used. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, First Aid Knowledge Form, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Ways of Coping Inventory. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, means, standard deviations, and difference tests. Mean first aid knowledge score in the experimental group increased after training ( p < 0.001) and mean anxiety score decreased ( p < 0.001). Regarding the subscales of coping with stress, a significant increase was found in the mean score of the self-confident approach ( p < 0.001), whereas a significant decrease was found in mean scores of the helpless and submissive approaches ( p < 0.001) after training in the experimental group. Findings highlight the practicality and need for a first aid training program, which should be implemented to strengthen the skills of parents of children with intellectual disabilities. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60 (9), 37–45.]