Abstract
BACKGROUND: Family-Centered Empowerment Model (FCEM) is a model which promotes knowledge, and skills which help family members to gain better understanding of the child's health problems that is consequently reduce care burden level. AIM: The current study' aim was to evaluate the impact of nursing interventions on the care burden experienced by mothers of children with epilepsy: A family Centered empowerment model. DESIGN: A quasi experimental design was utilized. SUBJECTS: A purposive sample of 60 mothers accompanied their children with epilepsy was involved. SETTING: This study was carried out at Neurological Unit, Pediatric Medical Department & Neurological Outpatient Clinic of Tanta Main University Hospital. TOOLS: Tool I Epilepsy Knowledge Questionnaire. TOOL II: Mothers' Reported Practice Regarding Epilepsy. TOOL III: Zarit Burden Short Version Interview. RESULTS: After implementing FCEM all of the mothers' showed significant improvement in their knowledge levels, both immediately posttest and at three months follow-up compared to about one third of them who showed adequate knowledge at pre-test. Most of mothers had unsatisfactory practice before implementing FCEM. However, these practice had improved notably for the majority both immediately and after three months post implementing FCEM. There was a significant decrease in mothers' care burden following implementation of FCEM as compared to pre- implementing FCEM. CONCLUSION: Mothers knowledge and reported practice were improved after implementing FCCM. Implementing family-centered empowerment model had significantly decreased mothers' care burden of their children with epilepsy. RECOMMENDATION: Incorporate family-centered empowerment model into routine nursing care for children with epilepsy.