Effect of Nursing Guidelines on Caregiver Adjustment with Their Mentally Disabled Children

Abstract

Background: Mental disability (MD), also known as general learning disability and mental retardation (MR), is a generalized neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significantly impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning. Aim of study: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of nursing guidelines on caregiver adjustment with their mentally disabled. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized in this study. Setting: Data was collected from the School of Intellectual Education in Shibin- Elkome, Menoufia Governorate. Subjects: The study was conducted on purposive samples of 150 MD children and their caregiver who attend with every child. Tools of data collection: Four tools were used, first, structured interview questionnaire for children and their caregiver. Second tool was a Family Impact of Childhood Disability (FICD) Scale according to their adjustment: (Pre and Post format). Third tool was Activities of daily life (ADL): (Pre and Post format). Forth, an observational checklist based on Orem’s Self-care. Results:  50% were in age group from 9-12 years old, followed by 28.5% from 6-9 years old and 62.7% were male. 70.7% suffered from mental disabilities since birth.  There were a highly statistical significant differences of the studied caregiver knowledge before and after implementation of nursing guidelines at P value (0.000). There was a highly statistical significant difference regarding care of the child. There was a highly statistical significance positive correlation between caregiver total knowledge, adjustment and total child self-care after implementation of nursing guidelines at P value (0.000). There was a highly statistical significance positive correlation between total knowledge score and caregiver demographic characteristics after implementation of nursing guidelines at P value (0.000).  Conclusion: It could be concluded that the intervention guidelines significantly improved caregiver knowledge and adjustment with their mentally disabled children. Recommendations: It is recommended that periodic evaluation and validation of the training given, and training programs should be included both theoretical and practical.