The study aims to evaluate the effect of an empowerment program based on the BASNEF model on children's knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practice of nail biting. Research Hypothesis H1: The application of an empowerment program based on the BASNEF model has a positive impact on children's knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practice of nail biting.
Nail-biting or onychophagia is a common phenomenon affecting children where excessive nail-biting is associated with several adverse consequences beyond mere appearance. The aim is to evaluate the effect of an empowerment program based on the BASNEF model on children's knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and practice of nail biting. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the pediatric wards of Menoufia University Hospital and Benha University Hospital. A convenience sample of 135 children aged 6 to 18 was randomly assigned to two groups. The study group attended four empowerment sessions based on the BANSEF model, emphasizing age-appropriate information, fostering a positive attitude towards quitting nail-biting, discovering the subjective norms that influence nail-biting behaviors, and equipping children with enabling factors to quit. The control group received routine health education.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
135
Initially, the researcher established rapport with children of both groups and their gradians, screened them for the eligibility criteria, explained the aim of the study, the duration and nature of the training sessions, and obtained informed assent. The researcher established the session objectives and learning activities and prepared the learning materials. The researchers also prepared the learning environment. The Empowerment program is implemented in accordance with the BANCEF model for behavior transformation into four educational sessions. After the intervention, children's nail-biting knowledge, practice, attitude, and self-efficacy were reassessed.
Children in the control group received routine health education about the problems of nail-biting and routine advice to quit nail-biting.
Alexandria University
Alexandria, Egypt
Children's Nail-Biting Knowledge
It includes ten questions about nail biting revolving around the definition (2 items), predisposing factors (2 items), complications and adverse effects (3 items), and management (3 items). A score of (1) was given for the correct answer and zero for the incorrect one.
Time frame: one month
Children's Nail-Biting Practice/Habits
It includes ten items describing the children's nail-biting habit, including frequency and duration (2 items), aggravating factors (2 items), areas involved in nail-biting (3 items), and description of nail-biting behavior (3 items). They are instructed to self-monitor their nail-biting behaviors on five a 5-point Likert scale ranging from very frequent (4) to never (0).
Time frame: one month
Children's Attitude and Self-efficacy Towards Nail-biting
It consists of 13 items; 10 items measure the child's attitude, and three items assess their intention to act (self-efficacy). Children were asked to rate their answers on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from Strongly Agree (4) to (0) Strongly Disagree.
Time frame: one month
Subjective Norms and Enabling Factors of Nail-Biting Among Children
The questionnaire includes ten yes/No questions divided into two categories. The subjective norms category consists of 8 items describing the external factors that influence children either to increase or quit their nails
Time frame: one month
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