Evaluation of maternal guilt and treatment satisfaction in mothers of children treated in the Emergency Department for Trauma

Abstract

Background: In nursing care, understanding the emotions and satisfaction levels experienced by the parents of children receiving treatment in healthcare institutions is critical for enhancing the quality of care and strengthening the family-centered approach. This study aimed to evaluate maternal guilt and treatment satisfaction among mothers of children treated in the emergency department due to trauma, identify related socio-demographic factors, and examine the relationship between guilt and satisfaction.

Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 290 mothers whose children were admitted to the emergency department of a university hospital in Türkiye between March and July 2025 for trauma-related reasons. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the Guilt Sense Scale in Mothers with Hospitalized Children, and the Treatment Assessment Scale Parent Form.

Results: The mean maternal guilt score was 45.80 ± 12.98, and the mean treatment satisfaction score was 3.19 ± 0.75. Guilt was negatively correlated with treatment satisfaction (r = -0.458, p < 0.001). Factors such as age, marital status, employment, and spousal support significantly affected guilt levels. Treatment satisfaction was influenced by intrafamilial relationships, health-related education, trauma type, and treatment duration. Guilt negatively predicted treatment satisfaction, explaining 21 % of the variance (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Elevated levels of maternal guilt in mothers of children treated in the emergency department due to trauma negatively affect treatment satisfaction. There is a need for psychosocial support and practical communication approaches to improve the quality of emergency services.

Keywords: Emergency service; Guilt; Mothers; Patient satisfaction; Wounds and injuries.