Self-concept: comparison between school-aged children with congenital heart disease and normal school-aged children.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the self-concept of school-aged children with congenital heart disease to those of normal school-aged children. The primary objective was to analyse results of the Self-Concept Scale questionnaire administered to children with congenital heart disease aged 9-12 years. Sixty-four children with congenital heart disease (study group), and 71 without congenital heart disease (control group), completed the questionnaire.


BACKGROUND
Little attention has focused on school-aged children with congenital heart disease who are in the important stages of developing self-concept.


RESULTS
The mean score on the Physical self-concept of the Self-Concept Scale was significantly lower for the study group than the control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between children with congenital heart disease and normal children in terms of family self-concept, school self-concept, appearance self-concept, emotional self-concept and general self-concept for the Self-Concept Scale.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses should use the study findings to encourage positive self-concept development and improve their patient education about physical activity before the child is discharged. Thus, children with congenital heart disease could leave the hospital with a clear understanding of their body and condition, and how it affects daily life.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study may provide more holistic views on self-concept for clinical nurses working with children who have congenital heart disease and their families and for school nurses working with elementary school children.
Chen
Chi-Wen
CW
Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University 510, Chung-Cheng Road, Hsin-Chuan, Taipei, Taiwan. Nurs1010@mails.fju.edu.tw
Li
Chung-Yi
CY
Wang
Jou-Kou
JK
D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires