Mothers’ precautions for their children’s protection from COVID-19 Pandemic

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

1 Pediatric Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt.

2 Pediatric Unit, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus is a major public health crisis that has adverse consequences on health 
systems globally. Considering the key role that mothers play in their children’s life, their knowledge and 
practice regarding the protection against COVID-19 is paramount in mitigating its spread. The study 
aims to identify mothers’ precautions for their children’s protection from COVID-19 pandemic. Setting: 
The study was conducted in the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, Shoe for Africa Children Hospital at Moi 
Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Subjects: A convenient sample of 400 mothers 
having children from birth to 12 years were included in the study. Tool: One tool named Mothers’ 
Precautions for Their Children’s protection from COVID-19 Pandemic Interview Schedule was used for 
data collection. Results: Cleaning and disinfection of surface areas were the most precaution measures
used by mothers (65.55±32.45) followed by personal protective equipment (61.38±18.96). However, 
adequate rest and sleep as well as types and elements of nutrition were the least category of protective 
measures used by them (18.06±4.62 and 28.84±9.13). Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that 
mothers were highly caring for their children’s protection from COVID-19 pandemic through cleaning 
and disinfection of surface areas precaution measures followed by the use of personal protective 
equipment, physical activity and hygienic measures. While, they were caring least regarding adequate 
rest and sleep, nutrition, adherence to social distancing and proper indoor ventilation.
Recommendations: Governmental and non-governmental organizations efforts should be integrated to 
enhance the awareness of the mothers regarding the preventive measures for protection from COVID-19 
pandemic. 

Keywords