A randomized controlled study: Evaluating the efficacy of a mobile application developed for mothers who have children with epilepsy in Turkiye


Sayik D., AÇIKGÖZ A., Yimenicioglu S.

JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NURSING-NURSING CARE OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES, vol.70, pp.103-110, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 70
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.02.010
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC NURSING-NURSING CARE OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ASSIA, CINAHL, MEDLINE, DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.103-110
  • Keywords: Anxiety, Epilepsy, Mobile application, Mother, Knowledge, PARENTS, ADOLESCENTS, CHALLENGES, PREVALENCE, KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, QUALITY, CARE
  • Eskisehir Osmangazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted for the purposes of developing the Mobile Epilepsy Education Package (MEEP) for mothers who have children with epilepsy, and evaluating the efficacy of such a package.Design and methods: The research consisted of a randomized, controlled experimental study. DISCERN measuring tool was used to evaluate the content of MEEP. The evaluation of the package was conducted with a total of 60 mothers-30 participants in the intervention group and 30 controls. This study was conducted in the Pediatric Neurology Outpatient Clinic of a hospital with mothers who had children with epilepsy, ages 3-6. A Description Form, the Epilepsy Knowledge Scale for Parents, and Parental Anxiety over Seizures Scale were used in the data collection.Results: The general quality evaluation of MEEP according to the experts was rated 70.35 & PLUSMN; 6.20, with interrater agreement at a good level. Knowledge and anxiety scores were similar in the groups prior to the mobile applica-tion. Following the application, a significant increase was seen in the level of knowledge about epilepsy among the intervention group mothers (p < .001), while a significant decrease was observed in anxiety over seizures (p = .009). Conclusions: MEEP, which was developed to evaluate mothers' levels of knowledge about epilepsy and their state of anxiety over seizures, resulted in an increase in knowledge and reduced anxiety. Practice implications: A simple-to-use, easy-to-access and low-cost mobile application has been developed that facilitates epilepsy diagnosis, follow-up and treatment, increases mothers' knowledge levels, and reduces anxiety levels.& COPY; 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.