THE EFFECT OF PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ON COPING PATTERNS OF MOTHERS HAVING CHILDREN NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

Abstract Childhood cancer is a chronic disease that necessitates ongoing attention through treatment, hospitalization, and the management of the side effects related to therapies. It has an effect on the mother's quality of life on a physical, psychosocial, and professional levels and makes them more vulnerable to associated emotional and physical disorders. Aim of the study was to: evaluate the effect of psychoeducational program on coping patterns of mothers having children newly diagnosed with cancer. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was used. Setting: the study was carried out at National Cancer Institute affiliating to faculty of medicine, Cairo university, Egypt, including inpatient and outpatient units. Subjects: the study sample was 52 mothers having children newly diagnosed with cancer. Tools: data was collected by using three tools, Tool (1) socio-demographic questionnaire of the mothers and their children, Tool (2) mothers’ knowledge scale regarding childhood cancer, Tool (3) coping scale of mothers having children newly diagnosed with cancer. Results: the study results showed that. There is a highly statistically significant correlation regarding total coping patterns and total knowledge score pre and post implementation of the program. Conclusion: The psychoeducational program has positive effect on enhancing coping patterns of mothers having children newly diagnosed with cancer. Recommendation: Conducting a continuous practical training and health educational programs for all mothers having children with cancer focusing on the modification of the coping pattern techniques. Keywords: Cancer, Children, Mothers, Psychoeducation, Coping, Pattern