Eur J Pediatr. 2025 Apr 8;184(5):285. doi: 10.1007/s00431-025-06111-x.
ABSTRACT
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders and one of the chronic childhood diseases that affects many children every year. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of tele-nursing after discharge on the self-efficacy and anxiety of mothers with children with epilepsy. In this quasi-experimental study, 90 mothers of children with epilepsy were selected by available sampling method and then randomly divided into two control and intervention groups. Demographic information questionnaire, Spielberger anxiety questionnaire and caregiver self-efficacy questionnaire were used to collect data. The intervention group was trained by telephone in the form of 10 telephone calls at regular intervals during two months. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 16 using descriptive and inferential statistics (independent t-test and paired t-test). The results showed that the two control and intervention groups were similar in terms of mother’s age, gender, mother’s occupation, and parents’ education. In addition, the anxiety scores of the two groups were similar before the intervention, and after the intervention the two groups had a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). In terms of the self-efficacy score, the two groups had a statistically significant difference after the intervention (P < 0.001), so in the intervention group, a decrease in anxiety and an increase in mothers’ self-efficacy were observed.
CONCLUSION: Tele-nursing after discharge caused a significant decrease in anxiety and increased self-efficacy of mothers in taking care of their children; therefore, it is recommended to use a comprehensive program in the form of tele-nursing according to parents’ educational needs and wishes.
WHAT IS KNOWN: • Tele-nursing and follow-up by nurses via telephone can reduce anxiety in mothers facing their child’s epilepsy diagnosis. • Tele-nursing, focusing on both internal and external capacities, can enhance mothers’ self-efficacy in caring for a child with epilepsy.
WHAT IS NEW: • Mobile tele-nursing is an innovative and effective method for increasing community awareness and educating patients, which should be considered by health policymakers. • By addressing parents’ questions and educational needs through tele-nursing, we can take steps to control anxiety and increase parents’ self-efficacy.
PMID:40198392 | DOI:10.1007/s00431-025-06111-x
