The Effectiveness of Partners’ Learning Method on Anxiety and Stress in Mothers of Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Abstract Background & Aim: Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis and hospitalization of a child can cause severe anxiety and stress in the parents, especially for the mother. Anxiety and stress consequently affect the treatment course of the child. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of partners’ learning method on anxiety and stress in mothers of children with cystic fibrosis in 2016. Materials & Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 86 mothers of children with cystic fibrosis were selected by convenience sampling method. Mothers were randomly assigned to experimental group (n = 44) and control group (n = 42). The intervention group received three sessions in one week education by partners in learning method. Control group received the usual care. Data were collected by Spielberger Anxiety Inventory and Parenting Stress Index-Short Form and analyzed by SPSS software version 16, paired t-test, independent sample t-test and Chi-square. Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups in the level of anxiety and stress before intervention (P> 0.05). After intervention, the level of anxiety and stress in the intervention group was significantly decreased, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings, partners’ learning method was effective in reducing anxiety and stress in mothers of children with cystic fibrosis. Therefore, this method can be used to reduce the anxiety and stress of mothers.

Keywords

• anxiety
• stress
• cystic fibrosis