Abstract

SEPULVEDA-VILDOSOLA, Ana Carolina et al. Are parents of children with Down's syndrome capable of general care and detection of complications of upper airway infections?. Bol. Med. Hosp. Infant. Mex. [online]. 2005, vol.62, n.6, pp.443-448. ISSN 1665-1146.

Introduction. Upper airways infections are frequent in children. Down's syndrome patients frequently present cardiorespiratory complications. Material and methods. A specific questionnaire was constructed including the recommendations on general care of upper airway infection, and was validated through experts. It was then answered by the parents or care-givers of children who assisted to Genetics during October and November 2004. Results. Twenty nine persons participated. Confidence of the questionnaire was 0.75. Parents were most likely to identify respiratory complications, followed by hydration and fever management.The area with less correct answers was nutrition. Overall knowledge was considered low. Conclusions. Down's syndrome parents have scarce knowledge with respect to the general treatment and respiratory complications detection of respiratory tract diseases of their children.

Keywords : Down's syndrome; respiratory tract diseases; questionnaire validation; health education.