Effect of PRECEDE Model Application on Mothers’ Care of their Children Diagnosed with Methylmalonic Acidemia

Abstract

Introduction: Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA) is a group of inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs), specifically of propionate catabolism characterized by gastrointestinal and neurometabolic manifestations resulting from a deficiency in the function of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, methylmalonyl-CoA epimerase, and cobalamin metabolism. Aim: To evaluate the effect of PRECEDE model application on mothers’ care of their children diagnosed with Methylmalonic Academia (MMA). Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at the Specialized Genetic Outpatient Clinic at Sohag University Hospital. Subject: A purposive sample of 60 mothers and their children with MMA was recruited from the previously selected settings. Three tools were used: (1) structured interviewing questionnaire, (2) PRECEDE model questionnaire, and (3) Mothers’ Reported Practices format. Results: The mean age of the studied children were 4.8 ± 2.49 years, and the mean age of the studied mothers was 25 ± 6.6 years. More than two-thirds of the mothers had unsatisfactory knowledge about Methylmalonic Acidemia prePRECEDE model implementation compared with the majority of them reported satisfactory total knowledge post-implementation; As well, mothers' total reported practices were significantly improved post-implementation of the PRECEDE model. Conclusion: It was concluded that PRECEDE model application led to highly significant improvements in studied mothers' knowledge and reported practices regarding the care of their children diagnosed with MMA. Recommendations: The PRECEDE model application for mothers having children with MMA should be provided to increase their knowledge and practice regarding the disease, its management, and prevention of complications. Future research should be focused on investigating the relationship between the socioeconomic status of mothers and Methylmalonic Acidemia. Nurses in the Genetic Outpatient Clinic should be trained well and supplied with information and training programs about MMA because the nurses are the main source of mothers' information who are providing their children with needed care.