Effectiveness of Intervention Guidelines on Mothers of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of neurobehavioral conditions that affect children most frequently. Mothers of children with ADHD frequently experience elevated stress levels, poor life quality, lower levels of maternal satisfaction, and confusing child behaviors that make them feel harshly disciplined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention guidelines on mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Subject and Methods: A quasi-experimental research design with pre-post and follow-up evaluation for one group was used in this study. Sample: This study was carried out on 150 mothers and their children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Settings: This study conducted at the child psychiatric outpatient clinics at El-Fayoum & Zagazig University Hospitals, El-Tarbia El-Fekryia Schools and Development Referral Centers at El-Fayoum City as Sondos Academy, Ibny and Together Centers. Tools: The tools used to collect data are: I. Structured interviewing sheet, II. Mothers' knowledge questionnaire, and III. A self-reported practices checklists. The intervention guidelines involved 10 sessions. Results: There was highly statistical significant difference regarding mothers' knowledge and their reported practices before, immediately after, and at following-up phases of intervention guidelines implementation on children having ADHD. Conclusion:The intervention guidelines were effective in improving mothers' knowledge and reported practices regarding their children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Recommendation: Continuous training for mothers having children with ADHD. Also, further studies will be needed to evaluate the effect of intervention guidelines on the mothers' coping, quality of life (QOL), mothering satisfaction, psychological well-being to enhance their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in improving their children's outcomes.