Saudi Journal of Nursing and Health Care (SJNHC)
Volume-3 | Issue-12 | 372-381
Original Research Article
Parental Opinions and Beliefs toward Use of Psychotropic Drugs for Treatment of Mental Health Problems in Children
Eman Dawood, Rufa Mitsu, Haya Al Fozan, Bashayer Alharbi
Published : Dec. 13, 2020
Abstract
Life of a parents with a child who agonizes from mental illness can be perplexing subsequently they need to have better understanding about the way their child’s mental illness presents itself in every life setting, this understanding may provide the foundation for seeking the treatment. Parental opinion and beliefs toward psychotropic drug compliance has a critical value that could improve or worse the course of treatment and the child’s mental health outcome. Aim: This study was conducted to assess the parental opinion and beliefs toward use of psychotropic drugs for treatment of mental health problems in children in the central region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A descriptive correlation cross section research design was utilized on a sample of 526 Saudi parents who were selected by a random location methodology. Data was collected using two part questionnaire, part one was the demographic data sheet, second part was a modified translated Arabic 16 item scale “parental opinion and beliefs toward use of psychotropic drugs for treatment of mental health problems in children.” Description about the purpose and nature of the study was explained to each individual potential participant. Participants were assured confidentiality of the collected data and that it will be used only by the researchers for the purpose of the current study. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: Study revealed that half of the parents believed that some psychotropic drugs are dangerous for children. The total participants’ responses to the parental opinion and beliefs toward use of psychotropic drugs for treatment of mental health problems in children scale score ranged between 16 and 60 with higher scores indicating more accurate opinions and more favorable beliefs toward psychotropic medication prescription and administration to children. Correlation between selected demographic variables and parental opinion and beliefs toward use of psychotropic drugs for treatment of mental health problems in children, showed a highly statistically significant relationship between parents’ opinions and beliefs scores and the age of the parents, furthermore study findings revealed a highly statistically significant difference in the total opinion and beliefs score between participants with different marital status. Conclusion: Fear of psychiatric stigmatization and ignorance of the nature of mental disorders are important factors which influence the opinion and beliefs about psychotropic medication among parents of children with mental disorders,which threatens to rule out psychopharmacotherapy.The study findings showed the need for more education on scientific knowledge regarding the psychiatric treatment methods and its importance in managing psychiatric disorders among children.