Mothers’ plan to protect their children from COVID-19 and other viral illnesses

Abstract

Background: Mothers play a critical role in safeguarding the health and well-being of their children—a vulnerable population—particularly during outbreaks of infectious diseases. Aim: This study investigated the strategies employed by mothers to protect their children from COVID-19 and other viral illnesses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient pediatric clinics of Basra Maternity and Children Hospital and Almawani Teaching Hospital, 118 mothers were enrolled from diverse backgrounds. Data was collected through structured interviews and a standardized questionnaire designed to assess maternal practices, attitudes, and experiences concerning the protection of their children. The key areas explored included hygiene practices, adherence to public health guidelines, and access to healthcare services. Results: Most participating mothers were between 20 and 40 years of age (79.66%), had attained a college education or higher (54.23%), and were primarily housewives (56.77%). Among the reported protective behaviors, 91.5% of mothers used hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol, 75.4% cleaned and disinfected household objects and surfaces, and 60.16% frequently washed their hands with soap and water. Additionally, 94.91% communicated with family and friends solely through social media rather than in-person visits. A total of 66.94% avoided contact with individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms, while 81.35% provided their children with information and health instructions regarding viruses. Furthermore, 71.4% reported preparing a sufficient supply of prescription medications for chronically ill children during the lockdown period. Conclusion: A positive association was found between the mothers’ level of education and certain preventive behaviors, such as disinfecting household surfaces, educating their children about viruses, and adhering to quarantine practices during the pandemic. However, no significant relationship was observed between education level and behaviors such as hand washing, sterilizing, avoiding sick individuals, or preparing a list of hospitals. This study’s findings provide valuable insights for developing evidence-based recommendations targeted at mothers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. These results support the need for tailored educational programs and resources to enhance caregiver preparedness and protect children’s health during future infectious disease outbreaks.