Applications of Mothers with Different Educational Backgrounds to Protect their Children from Cancer

Abstract

Aim: It states the practices of mothers with different educational levels to protect their children from cancer. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in two Family Health Centers between June 2013 and April 2019. The population of the consists of 5640 mothers, with 0-6 age group children registered in family health centers. 359 mothers who met the study criteria were included in the study. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Questionnaire included items about parents' introductory information and mothers' practices to protect their children from cancer were analyzed in five groups (1st group nutrition, 2nd group smoking and harmful chemicals, 3rd group radiation, 4th group medical examinations and immunizations, 5th group sun rays). Results: There is a statistically significant difference between the educational status of the mothers and starting additional foods taking out, the frequency of fruit feeding, the way of eating the fruit, the frequency of feeding ready-made foods and processed meats, applications for smoking, points used in shop and shampoos used in the child’s bathroom, watched television and computer playing time, taking the child to the doctor when he became ill, having all the tests suggested by the doctor, observing the spots on the child’s sunbathing and using the sun cream, observing the spots that cause her to think of herself situations. (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although mothers have tried to take measures on issues such as nutrition, smoking and harmful chemicals, radiation, medical examinations and immunizations, sun rays, in order to protect their children from cancer, their practices were found to be inadequate in protecting their children from cancer.

Keywords

• mother
• children
• cancer
• protect