Journal of Education and Health Promotion

A proposal to activate the role of early intervention programs for the rehabilitation of mothers of children with Down syndrome, in light of the Saudi vision 2030

Document Type : Original Article

Author

. Nawal Abdulaziz Mohamed Al Rubaie

Department of Community Service, Faculty of Social Work, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Early intervention programs are supremacy in health, psychological, social,
and sports care policies in many developed countries, considering the necessity to identify the
circumstances and any support required as soon as possible. Consequently, understanding the critical
role of mothers of children with Down syndrome in meeting the needs of their children is crucial, as
well as developing their capacity to make positive contributions to the psychosocial harmony of their
children. Hence, this study aims at determining the real role of early intervention programs in the
rehabilitation of mothers of children with Down syndrome and identifying the obstacles that prevent
early intervention services and programs from achieving their objective and how to treat it.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The descriptive‑analytical approach was used. In order to achieve
these objectives, an online questionnaire consisting of (88) phrases, divided into three areas, was
applied to (20) mothers of children with Down syndrome.
RESULTS: The assessment study concluded several results from the mothers’ perspective,
indicating that cognitive qualifications were highest at an average of 52.66%, followed by educational
qualifications at an average of 50.73%, social qualification at an average of 48.78%, and religious
qualification at an average of 48.33%. Finally, psychological qualifications were lowest at an average
of 45.22%. The approval rate of all these proposals exceeded 90%.
CONCLUSION: Based on these results, a proposal for activating early intervention programs for the
rehabilitation of mothers of children with Down syndrome, in light of the Saudi Vision 2030, was set.
It was also recommended to give continuous and intensive courses to mothers, in order to improve
their children’s skills and self‑sufficiency.

Keywords

Down syndrome
early intervention
mothers of children with Down syndrome
rehabilitation
Saudi vision 2030
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 12, Issue 1
January 2022
Pages 1-12

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