الفهرس 
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Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome is the most common type of chronic kidney disorders among children that affecting mainly males. Nephrotic syndrome in most cases is benign and can be easily controlled via proper management. However, it can lead to chronic complications if it is improperly handled. The mothers have crucial role in helping their children adapt with their conditions. In practical term, their role involving care for massive edema, testing the urine for presence of albumin, providing suitable diet / fluids, adherence to infection prevention measures, prescribed medication, allowed activities as well as follow up schedule.
The aim of the current study was to assess mothers’ care provided for their children with NS. The study was conducted in the Nephrology clinic at the Outpatient Department of Alexandria University Children’s Hospital at El-Shatby in Alexandria. All mothers having children suffering from NS attending the previously mentioned setting within a period of 4 months were included in the study.
Mothers’ care provided for their children with NS structured interview schedule was used to collect necessary data which included characteristics of mothers and their children, medical history of children, mothers’ knowledge about NS, such as, definition and causes of NS as well as mothers’ care provided for their children with NS as care for massive edema, testing the urine for presence of albumin and providing suitable diet / fluids. Every mother was individually interviewed to collect the necessary data.
The main results of the present study were as follows:
Approximately three quarters of mothers (74.7 %) were from 30 to less than 35 years old.
The majority of the mothers (84.0%) were either illiterate or read and write.
Almost all mothers (98.7%) were housewives.
The majority of mothers (82.7%) were lived in rural areas.
Nearly two thirds of the mothers (61.3%) lived in extended families.
More than half of children (51.3%) were from five to less than ten years old.
More than two thirds of the children (68.7%) were males.
More than two thirds of children (67.3%) were diagnosed with NS since one to less than five years.
All children (100.0%) received corticosteroids.
All children (100.0%) had previous hospitalization.
Relapse of the disease was occurred among the majority of children (85.3%).
Sixty seven point two percent of children relapsed three times or more.
All children (100.0%) experienced concurrent infection namely URTI.
Mothers’ knowledge about nephrotic syndrome:
All mothers (100.0%) gave correct answer regarding definition of NS.
All mothers (100.0%) mentioned that their children’s disease was idiopathic.
All mothers (100.0%) reported that puffiness of the eyes in the morning and the presence of albumin in the urine were the main signs and symptoms of NS.
All mothers (100.0%) knew that concurrent infection such as URTI was one of the main complications of NS.
All mothers (100.0%) reported that corticosteroids were the standard treatment for children with NS.
Mothers mentioned that suitable diet/ fluids include low salt diet (100.0%), low fat diet (81.3%) and adequate amount of fluids (100.0%).
The recovery from the disease and the prevention of complications were stated by all mothers as the importance of both periodic follow-up and treatment (100.0% for each).
All mothers (100.0%) knew the signs that indicate the presence of albumin in urine.
The total percent score of mothers’ knowledge varied between fair and poor (21.3% and 78.7% respectively).
Mothers’ practices for their children with nephrotic syndrome:-
Approximately half of mothers (46.7%) provided care for massive edema.
Testing the urine for the presence of albumin was practiced in the morning by all mothers (100.0%).
Around two thirds of mothers (61.3%) tested the urine for the presence of albumin weekly.
Almost all mothers (97.3%) used test tube, while the minority of them (2.7%) used dipstick.
All mothers offered their children diet that is low in salt as well as adequate amount of fluids as needed (100.0% for each) and 38.7% of them gave low fat diet.
The majority of mothers (84.0%) instructed their children to wash their hands frequently.
Three quarters of mothers (74.7%) avoided their children’s contact with infected persons.
All mothers of children who received corticosteroids, cytotoxic drugs and antihypertensive compliant with giving such medications (100.0% for each).
All mothers (100.0%) allowed their children to share in activities of daily living.
All mothers (100.0%) adhered to the follow up schedule.
Puffiness of the eyes were the main indication for seeking medical advice as mentioned by all mothers (100.0%).
Satisfactory practices scores concerning the testing of the urine for presence of albumin and medications administration were recorded among all mothers (100.0% for each).
Satisfactory practice score was recorded among the majority of mothers (81.3%) regarding follow up.
The vast majority of the mothers had unsatisfactory practices scores in relation to care for massive edema and allowed activities (99.3% and 92.0% respectively).
Unsatisfactory practices scores regarding infection prevention measures and suitable diet /fluids were obtained among 72.0% and 61.3% of mothers respectively.
The total percent score of mothers’ practices varied between satisfactory and unsatisfactory (20.0% and 80.0% respectively).
All mothers (100.0%) reported that pediatrician was the main source of their knowledge and practices.
There was a statistically significant relations between mothers’ total score of knowledge, total score of practices and their age, level of education as well as residence (P <0.001).
Significant association and strong positive correlation were found between mothers’ total score of knowledge and their total score of practices (r = 0.778, P <0.001).