Effect of instructional guidelines on the parents’ care of neonates with neural tube defects

Abstract Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) represent the most common congenital anomalies of the central nervous system in pediatric populations, posing significant challenges for both neonatal care and parental wellbeing. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional guideline...

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Main Authors: Asmaa Khamis Abdel Baset, Safaa Salah Ismail, Hyam Refaat Tantawi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-07-01
Series:Discover Public Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00799-w
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author Asmaa Khamis Abdel Baset
Safaa Salah Ismail
Hyam Refaat Tantawi
author_facet Asmaa Khamis Abdel Baset
Safaa Salah Ismail
Hyam Refaat Tantawi
author_sort Asmaa Khamis Abdel Baset
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) represent the most common congenital anomalies of the central nervous system in pediatric populations, posing significant challenges for both neonatal care and parental wellbeing. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional guidelines on improving parental care practices for neonates with NTDs. Methods A quasi-experimental design was employed at the neonatal intensive care unit and Neurological Department of the Children's Hospital affiliated with Ain Shams University, and at Helwan General Hospital. A convenience sample of 40 parents of neonates diagnosed with NTDs participated. Data were collected over a complete 12 years using three tools: (I) a structured interview questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and parental knowledge regarding NTD care; (II) an observational checklist evaluating parental caregiving practices; and (III) the Parental Stress Index to measure stress levels. Results Post-intervention assessments revealed significant improvements in parental knowledge and caregiving practices, accompanied by a reduction in stress levels. A statistically significant association was found between the gender of the parent and their knowledge, practices, and stress levels related to NTD care. Conclusion The instructional guidelines had a positive impact on parental knowledge, caregiving practices, and stress management in caring for neonates with NTDs, thus supporting the study hypothesis. Recommendations The integration of structured instructional guidelines into neonatal intensive care units, pediatric neurology departments, and surgical wards is recommended to enhance parental competencies, reduce stress, and ultimately improve health outcomes for neonates with NTDs.
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spelling doaj-art-530ada76640e4a0c96522bd8d8443c152025-08-20T03:04:18ZengSpringerDiscover Public Health3005-07742025-07-0122111510.1186/s12982-025-00799-wEffect of instructional guidelines on the parents’ care of neonates with neural tube defectsAsmaa Khamis Abdel Baset0Safaa Salah Ismail1Hyam Refaat Tantawi2Pediatric Nursing Department, British University in EgyptHelwan UniversityAin Shams UniversityAbstract Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) represent the most common congenital anomalies of the central nervous system in pediatric populations, posing significant challenges for both neonatal care and parental wellbeing. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional guidelines on improving parental care practices for neonates with NTDs. Methods A quasi-experimental design was employed at the neonatal intensive care unit and Neurological Department of the Children's Hospital affiliated with Ain Shams University, and at Helwan General Hospital. A convenience sample of 40 parents of neonates diagnosed with NTDs participated. Data were collected over a complete 12 years using three tools: (I) a structured interview questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and parental knowledge regarding NTD care; (II) an observational checklist evaluating parental caregiving practices; and (III) the Parental Stress Index to measure stress levels. Results Post-intervention assessments revealed significant improvements in parental knowledge and caregiving practices, accompanied by a reduction in stress levels. A statistically significant association was found between the gender of the parent and their knowledge, practices, and stress levels related to NTD care. Conclusion The instructional guidelines had a positive impact on parental knowledge, caregiving practices, and stress management in caring for neonates with NTDs, thus supporting the study hypothesis. Recommendations The integration of structured instructional guidelines into neonatal intensive care units, pediatric neurology departments, and surgical wards is recommended to enhance parental competencies, reduce stress, and ultimately improve health outcomes for neonates with NTDs.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00799-wInstructional guidelinesNeonatesNeural tube defectsParent’s care
spellingShingle Asmaa Khamis Abdel Baset
Safaa Salah Ismail
Hyam Refaat Tantawi
Effect of instructional guidelines on the parents’ care of neonates with neural tube defects
Discover Public Health
Instructional guidelines
Neonates
Neural tube defects
Parent’s care
title Effect of instructional guidelines on the parents’ care of neonates with neural tube defects
title_full Effect of instructional guidelines on the parents’ care of neonates with neural tube defects
title_fullStr Effect of instructional guidelines on the parents’ care of neonates with neural tube defects
title_full_unstemmed Effect of instructional guidelines on the parents’ care of neonates with neural tube defects
title_short Effect of instructional guidelines on the parents’ care of neonates with neural tube defects
title_sort effect of instructional guidelines on the parents care of neonates with neural tube defects
topic Instructional guidelines
Neonates
Neural tube defects
Parent’s care
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00799-w
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AT hyamrefaattantawi effectofinstructionalguidelinesontheparentscareofneonateswithneuraltubedefects