Anxiety, depression, and support needs of the mothers of children with cerebral palsy and determining their opinions: Mixed methods study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the level of anxiety, depression, support needs and opinions of mothers of children with cerebral palsy. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study used a descriptive qualitative design. The population of the study consisted of children with cerebral palsy who were educated in special education centers in a province of Eastern Turkey. All participants who volunteered for the study were accepted and the study was completed with 126 mothers. RESULTS: Caregiver mothers with male cerebral palsy patients had higher carer support needs and anxiety total mean scores. The mean scores of depression and anxiety of the mothers who were older were statistically higher. This study found that mothers of children with diseases other than cerebral palsy had statistically higher mean depression scores. The mothers of child with cerebral palsy who had a high gross motor classification score had higher mean carer support needs, depression, and anxiety total scores. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study, depression and trait anxiety were linked to greater maternal support needs. Qualitative interviews revealed that mothers experienced issues such as stigmatization and withdrawal from social activities as a result of their children's illness. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study shows the relationship of need for support of mothers of children with cerebral palsy and mental problems such as depression and trait anxiety. Pediatric nurses should provide emotional support to mothers and guide them towards support groups and training programs.

SuperKid makes it easier: Effect of an intervention prepared with cognitive behavioral technique on reducing fear and pain of children during intravenous insertion.

PURPOSE: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral SuperKid intervention, in reducing fear and pain among children undergoing intravenous insertion in outpatient services. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial, with 96 children aged 5-7 years. SuperKid intervention employed cognitive-behavioral techniques, implemented through a set of prepared cards. Fear was assessed using the Child Fear Scale, while pain status was measured using the Wong Baker Face Pain Scale. Scoring was performed by the mother, child, and researcher. Time series tests were conducted using the Wilks Lambda test. RESULTS: Most children in both the experimental and control groups reported fear regarding hospital procedures, particularly those involving pain and separation from their mothers. However, children in the experimental group who underwent the SuperKid intervention during and after IV insertion procedure experienced significantly less fear and pain than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: SuperKid intervention was found to be effective in reducing the procedural fear and pain of children undergoing intravenous insertion in outpatient services. The utilization of cognitive-behavioral techniques through a set of prepared cards provides an accessible and engaging means of alleviating negative emotional experiences among children undergoing medical/nursing procedures. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: SuperKid intervention can potentially improve children's attitudes toward medical care and make future procedures easier for them. Healthcare providers could consider incorporating cognitive-behavioral interventions, such as the SuperKid intervention, into their clinical practice to reduce the fear and pain experienced by children during medical/nursing procedures.