Toy Hygiene Education For Hospitalized Mothers

Determining The Effectiveness of Toy Hygiene Education For Hospitalized Mothers: Randomized Controlled Trial

The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of toy hygiene education given to mothers of hospitalized children on their knowledge and practices, as well as the cleanliness of toy surfaces.

While studies show that toys contain significant amounts of pathogenic microorganisms and may be effective in the spread of hospital-acquired infections, it appears that the literature and hospital practices on the disinfection of these toys are quite limited. Additionally, there is no routine practice to ensure toy hygiene in most health institutions. Therefore, in order to prevent the transfer of infectious agents through toys, policies and guidelines regarding toy cleaning methods and frequency should be established in hospitals. At the same time, families should be educated about the fact that toys can be a source of infection, and correct behavioral changes regarding toy hygiene should be created. When the literature was examined, it was determined that there were no routine hygiene practices regarding the cleaning of toys in children's clinics in Turkey. For this reason, the study will examine the effect of the toy hygiene education created by the researchers on the knowledge levels and practices of mothers and the surface cleaning of toys. It is thought that the results of the study will be a basis for creating clinical guidelines.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mothers with children in the play (1-3) and preschool (4-6) periods
• Those who keep toys (plastic, metal, wooden, technological) with their children
• Mothers who are always with their children as companions
• Mothers whose children receive inpatient treatment for at least 3 days

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mother has hearing, vision or mental problems
• The mother has been diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) or has an obsession with cleaning.
• Not being able to speak Turkish
• Being under 18 years of age
• Do not place the child in isolation (contact isolation, droplet isolation, respiratory isolation).