Effect of a nursing educational program on competency and parenting practices among parents having children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common condition most prevalent among children worldwide. When it comes to parenting, parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder exhibit lower competency and more negative parenting behaviors than parents of children without the disease. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effect of a nursing educational program on competency and practices among parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methods A total of 50 parents, most of whom were mothers with children aged between 5 and 10 years and previously diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, were chosen at random and split into equal study and control groups. The study group received eight sessions of the nursing educational program, with each session lasting 60 to 90 min, while the control group only received routine interventions. Results The results of the current study show statistically significant differences between the study group and control group in terms of positive parenting practices, negative parenting practices, over-reactive practices, functional family practices, interactive practices, satisfactory parenting sense of competency, and effectiveness of parenting sense of competency. Conclusion The nursing educational program presents benefits in improving parenting practices and enhancing parenting sense of competency among parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.