The effect of empowerment program for mothers of children undergoing hemodialysis on arteriovenous fistula care

Abstract

Background Children undergoing hemodialysis (HD) have many complications, and arteriovenous fistula care through empowerment programs based on educational needs assessments will help to improve mothers’ knowledge and health practice. Aim The present study aimed to investigate the effect of empowerment programs for mothers of children undergoing HD on arteriovenous fistula care. A quasi-experimental research design (pretest/post-test design) was utilized in this study. The study was conducted in the Center for Pediatric Nephrology and Transplantation in Cairo University Children Hospitals. Patients and methods A purposeful sample of 30 mothers and their children from the previously mentioned setting was included. Tools of data collection included tool I: a structured interview questionnaire sheet to assess mothers and their children’s personal characteristics, tool II: assessment sheet for mothers’ knowledge, and tool III: included observational checklists about hand washing and fistula hand exercises. Results The results of this study indicated highly statistically significant differences concerning mothers’ knowledge, and practice preimplementation/postimplementation of the empowerment program and there was a positive correlation between total mothers’ knowledge and practice regarding AVA care postimplementation of the empowerment program. Conclusion The current study concluded that the empowerment program positively improved mother’s knowledge and practice regarding AVA care after implementation than before and recommends that empowerment programs should be established to prepare, educate, and encourage mothers for care of their children undergoing HD.