title: Evaluating a bereavement follow-up intervention for grieving mothers after the death of a child.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to produce information about parental grief intervention and its impacts on maternal grief.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The grief after death of a child is a lifelong process. Social support is often stated as the most important factor in coping after the death of a child.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single measure post-test control group design was used to evaluate whether there are differences in the grief reactions between the mothers in the intervention program (n = 83) and the mothers in the control group (n = 53).
  
  
  METHODS
  The data were collected by using a questionnaire which included background variables and Hogan Grief Reactions Checklist 6 months after the child's death. The data were analysed by statistical methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences in the grief reactions between the intervention group and the control group. However, greater support from the healthcare professionals was associated with stronger personal growth. The mothers' age, self-perceived health status and the age of deceased child were associated with the grief reactions. This study emphasises the importance of social support to grieving mothers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health care professionals are in an important role when considering support for grieving mothers; the given support may relieve the mothers' grief reactions.
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Social Studies, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä, Finland.
authors.forename: Katja
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Raitio
authors.affiliation: School of Health Science, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.|Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Marja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaunonen
authors.affiliation: School of Health Science, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.|Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Anna Liisa
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Aho
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001601:Bereavement; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003643:Death; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: death of a child; family nursing; follow-up intervention; mothers' grief; social support