The Effect of Betty Neuman System Model on the Anxiety of Mothers of Children Admitted to the Surgical Ward

Abstract

Introduction: The children’s illness and admission to hospital is considered a crisis and a source of
anxiety for their mothers. Betty Neuman system model, as one of the most practical nursing models, is
based on human relationship, understanding of stress and increasing adaptation support, and also plays an
important role in increasing the quality of clinical care. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine
the effects of Betty Neuman system model on the anxiety of mothers of children admitted to the surgical
ward.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on 60 mothers of children admitted to the surgical
ward. The samples selected by simple random sampling and divided in two intervention and control
groups. The data collection tools included a demographic information form and the Spielberger Anxiety
Inventory. The intervention group received 4 sessions (30-45 minutes) of training based on Betty Neuman
model, and the control group only received the routine training. Data were analyzed by SPSS-23
statistical software using descriptive statistics (table, mean and standard deviation) and inferential
statistics (paired t-test, independent t-test and ANCOVA).
Results: The results of ANCOVA test showed a significant difference in the anxiety score of mothers (P
<0.01 and Eta = 0.54) between the two groups by removing the effect of pretest (P <0.01 and Eta = 0.54),
so that 54% of the changes in anxiety reduction were due to the effect of Neuman system model-based
training.
Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of Betty Neuman model on reducing the anxiety of mothers
of hospitalized children, it can be argued that by using nursing theories and models, we can improve the
patient care standards, increase patient satisfaction and quality of care, and reduce the treatment costs.