The relationship between demographic characteristics and parental knowledge in managing hemophilia in children: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Hemophilia is a chronic genetic disorder that requires effective parental management to prevent complications and improve outcomes in affected children. Parental knowledge plays a critical role in disease management; however, this knowledge can vary based on demographic factors such as age, gender, income, residence, and educational background. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between demographic characteristics and parental knowledge in managing hemophilia in children before and after a health education intervention. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 100 participants, equally divided into a control group and a study group. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing health knowledge scores at pre-test and post-test stages. Independent samples t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze differences in knowledge scores across various demographic variables, including gender, age, income level, and place of residence. Results: At baseline (pre-test), fathers showed significantly higher health knowledge than mothers ( p = 0.03). However, no significant differences were observed between rural and urban parents or across different income levels. After the educational intervention (post-test), the gap between genders narrowed and was no longer statistically significant ( p = 0.31). Similarly, while older parents tended to have higher knowledge scores, these differences were not statistically significant. Notably, income level emerged as a significant factor post-intervention, particularly between the lowest and highest income groups, where higher-income parents demonstrated greater gains in knowledge ( p = 0.03). Conclusion: Demographic factors such as age, parental role, income, and residence play a crucial role in shaping parental knowledge and capabilities in managing hemophilia in children. Addressing disparities in these areas through targeted education and support programs could enhance disease management outcomes.