Mental retardation is defined as significantly sub average general intellectual functioning. An intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 or lower and concurrent deficits in adaptive functioning. The aim of this study was to develop, implement and evaluate an educational intervention for caregivers of mentally retarded school children at Kaluobia Governorate. This study was Quasi experimental design conducted at three schools of El Tarbia Al Fekria in Benha, Tougk and El Amar. Seventy mentally retarded children & their caregivers that were selected as a purposeful sample were included. Four tools for data collection that include a structured interviewing questionnaire that designed to collect socio demographic data of caregivers & school role in caring of mentally retarded children, pre / post test questionnaire for caregivers' knowledge, Vineland Social Maturity Scale and observation check list for home environment. The results of the present study showed that the mean age of caregivers was (37.5 ± 14.790) Mothers' age during pregnancy from below 20 to 50 years old and (38.57%) of them discovered that their children were mentally retarded by luck also (35.71%) of parents were relatives. Significant increase in caregivers' knowledge post test as compared to pre test regarding mental retardation, also highly improvement in child practice post test as compared to pre test was detected. The study concluded that educational intervention can bring about a desirable change in caregivers' knowledge & children's' practice. The study recommended that educational intervention programs should be given to care givers in schools and institutions of mentally retarded children and rehabilitation services need to be available. |
