Journal of Infectious Diseases & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: Wilson’s disease (WD) is the commonest metabolic cause of fulminant hepatic failure in children over the age of 3 years. Family-centered interventions are seen to be more beneficial for improving child's condition, enhancing child's and parents' psychosocial adjustment and reducing parenting stresses. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of family centered intervention on copper level of children with Wilson's disease and their family practices regarding this chronic disease. Settings: The study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of pediatrics in national liver institute Menoufia University at Shebeen El_koom town Design: Quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Samples: A convenient sample of 37 children having Wilson's disease was included. Instruments: - four instruments were utilized for data collection:-Instrument one: Childhood Chronic Illness’ Impact on the Family: it consisted of four parts. Instrument two: family knowledge and practices related to care of Wilson's disease: Instrument three: Laboratory investigation record for copper level: Instrument four: Dietary Recall Diary: It is a 24 hours dietary recall of copper. Results: It showed a highly statistical significant difference between mean Urinary copper exertion, SGPT and SGOT in preand post-intervention. Also, there were a positive correlation between parent's total knowledge, total family role and urinary copper excretion. Conclusion: Children with Wilson's disease who received a family centered intervention protocol of care had marked improvement in their clinical signs and symptoms due to reduction in their copper level. Recommendations: Family centered intervention protocol of care should be utilized by pediatric nurses and caregivers of children who suffer from Wilson's disease.

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