Knowledge and Attitude about Learning Disorders among Parents

Abstract

Objectives :

1) To study level of knowledge and attitude about learning disorders among

parents caregivers of children with learning disorders 2) To study the correlation between their

knowledge and attitude. 3) To study the factors which have effect on knowledge and attitude

about learning disorders among parents.

Methods :

This was a questionnaire based on cross-sectional descriptive study. We

collected data using a questionnaire constructed and validated by experts. The data

were obtained from 100 parents whose children were diagnosed with learning disorders

and receiving treatment at Siriraj Hospital. The data gathering process was conducted between

January and December 2013.

Results :

The mean knowledge score was 9.51, which was classifi

ed as average (63.4%)

while the mean attitude score was 76.39, which was classi

fi

ed as good (76.4%). Using the

Pearson correlation we concluded that knowledge and attitude about learning disorders were

weakly related (r=0.439, p-value<0.001). According to an ANOVA and t test, we found that parent

gender, education level, and income signi

fi

cantly affected the level of knowledge and attitude.

Conclusion :

Parent knowledge and attitude towards learning disorders were weakly correlated.

The level of parent knowledge regarding learning disorders was average. Order to improve

the level of knowledge, development of suitable media or methods suifed to gender and

education might be helpful; particularly in combination with attitude strengthening,

The expected outcome for children with learning disabilities would be better care and

management.