Impact of Maternal Uncertainty on Coping: Experiences from a General Hospital Pediatric Ward

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test whether maternal uncertainty and the general characteristics of mothers and children influenced maternal coping. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 190 mothers whose children had been admitted to the pediatric ward of a general hospital completed self-report questionnaires during their children's hospitalization. The questionnaires assessed the general characteristics of the mothers and children, maternal uncertainty, and maternal coping. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the research model. RESULTS: In the multivariable model, help from one's spouse (t=3.10, p=.002), religion (t=2.68, p=.008), overall ambiguity (t=2.64, p=.009), and family income (t=2.33, p=.021) were associated with higher coping scores. CONCLUSION: This research model presents possible guidelines for pediatric nurses to provide comprehensive and accurate information on children's illnesses and treatments for mothers of children hospitalized in general hospitals. In particular, nurses should pay more attention to mothers who are not receiving help from their spouses, are not religious, and have a low family income.