Evaluation of the knowledge, attitudes and concerns of the mothers of children who applied to the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic many families have faced difficulties such as using masks, maintaining social distancing, and isolating themselves to stop spreading the virüs. However, there is limited data about how mothers of affected children with acute/chronic diseases overcome this challenging and stressful process. Methods: Between January 2021 and June 2021, mothers of 315 children aged 1-17 years admitted to the Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic of Inonu University were included in our study. Sociodemographic information, attitudes, and knowledge levels about the prevention of the disease towards COVID-19 were reviewed and the Stait-Trait Anxiety Inventory test was applied. Results: The overall mean score of knowledge of the mothers for COVID-19 disease was 4.9 ± 1.4 (max=8). The low educational level and employment status of the father, the presence of any chronic disease in the family, and the presence of a chronic disease in their children increased the anxiety scores in those mothers. Conclusion: Since COVID-19 still affect the community, it is very important to understand its psychological consequences on mothers who have children or close relatives with chronic diseases and to develop policies to improve their emotional and mental status.