KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDESAND PRACTICES REGARDING NUTRITION OF MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM THALASSEMIA UNDER TREATMENT AT TAY NGUYEN REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL
Introduction: Thalassemia is a group of hemoglobin disorders characterized by genetic anemia and reduced or absent globin formation. The disease profoundly affects the growth and physical development of children. Therefore, the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding nutrition for children among mothers are crucial.
Study Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to nutrition among mothers with children suffering from Thalassemia who are being treated at the Tay Nguyen Regional General Hospital in 2024 and some related factors.
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 160 mothers of children with Thalassemia receiving treatment at the Tay Nguyen Regional General Hospital
Results: The mothers were aware that children with Thalassemia need a nutritious diet (88.8%); a diet rich in protein and vitamins (86.2%) and different diets for each age (87.5%); 84.4% of mothers expressed concern about feeding children iron-rich foods; 62.5% were willing to adopt a diet low in iron and high in Vitamin C; 96.2% knew that food preparation should vary by age but 66.2% of mothers did not provide children with the four essential food groups daily and 68.7% did not supplement their children with milk daily.
Conclusion: The knowledge and attitudes regarding nutrition among mothers were relatively good at rates of 70.6% and 69.4%. However, the correct nutritional practices among mothers were very low, at 14.4%. Educational programs on nutritional practices for mothers are needed.
Keywords: Thalassemia; Knowledge; Attitudes; Practices.
