Background: Sickle Cell Anemia is a hemoglobinopathy where, an abnormal chain of hemoglobin is produced. It is an autosomal recessive hereditary anemia characterized by the presence of sickle-shaped red blood cells and by accelerated hemolysis due to the substitution of a single amino acid of the beta chain of hemoglobin. The purpose of this study was to assess mother’s knowledge and practices regarding sickle cell anemia in their children. This study was a descriptive research design It was conducted at the Hematology Department in Specialized Pediatric Hospital at Benha City. Sample A convenient sample composed of 100 mothers accompanying their children with sickle cell anemia. One instrument was used to collect the required data. A structured interviewing questionnaire to asses mother’s knowledge and practices regarding sickle cell anemia in their children. The Results of this study revealed that approximately two fifths of mothers had poor knowledge about sickle cell anemia, while the majority (90%) of mothers had satisfactory practices regarding their children with sickle cell anemia. Conclusion: there was a highly statistically significant relation between total knowledge score of mothers and their educational level and occupation) P ≤ 0.001(.There was a positive statistically significant correlation between total knowledge score and total practice score about sickle cell anemia. Recommendation: Periodical educational program should be conducted for mothers regarding sickle cell anemia to enhance their knowledge and practices to care for their children with sickle cell anemia. |
