Fatma Ahmed Elsobkey^1,, Samah Abdallah Mohamed Amer¹

Background: vitamin D deficiency is a problem among children that used to describe low level of serum 25- hydroxy vitamin D. Children with cerebral palsy have many risk factors for osteopenia and fracture. Aim: To evaluate effect of mothers' health education based on health belief model to prevent vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at Outpatient Clinic of Benha University Hospital, Benha Teaching Hospital, and Benha Specialized Pediatric Hospital. Sample: A convenience sample of 105 mothers and their children have cerebral palsy. Tools of data collection: structured interview sheet; baseline characteristics of mothers and children, mothers' knowledge regarding vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D questionnaire, Health belief model questionnaire. Result: the result of the present study revealed that mothers had satisfactory knowledge, competent practice, and positive attitude after health education implantation. Conclusion: Health education program was effective and help mothers to prevent vitamin D deficiency among their children with cerebral palsy. Recommendation: continuous health education should be implemented for mothers to prevent vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy.

health belief model, health education, vitamin D deficiency, cerebral palsy