Development of a measure for maternal confidence in knowledge and understanding and examination of psychosocial influences at the time of a child's heart surgery.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose was to develop a maternal confidence in knowledge and understanding scale (Maternal Knowledge and Understanding Scale [MKUS]) and examine the effect of psychosocial factors at the time of a child's heart surgery.


METHODS
Using cross-sectional design, the MKUS was developed and tested. Validated instruments were used to examine the impact of psychosocial factors.


RESULTS
The MKUS showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha .78). Higher levels of maternal anxiety and lower levels of social support were associated with lower MKUS scores (p < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
A measure of maternal confidence in knowledge and understanding could draw attention to psychosocial factors and opportunities to enhance nursing support.
Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Mary M
MM
Tallon
Garth E
GE
Kendall
Paul D
PD
Snider
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D032882:Comprehension; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011584:Psychology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
Child; family-centered care; heart surgery; maternal knowledge and understanding; psychosocial factors