An evaluation of parental attitudes of families of children under protective health measures from a medical social work perspective: The case of Uşak province

In this study, from a medical social work perspective, parental attitudes toward children under protective health measures are examined in terms of authority and tolerance, with the aim of gaining insight into the family structures and intra-family behaviors of children receiving such measures. In this context, the impact of the protective health measure decision, implemented by a social worker, on the reciprocal attitudes and behaviors of the individual and family involved has been examined. Within the framework of the research findings, analyses appropriate to the families attitudes and behaviors were conducted, and recommendations were provided. To collect research data, the 26-item Parental Attitude Scale and a semi-structured interview form were utilized. The population of the study consisted of children monitored by Uşak Training and Research Hospital in 2023 who were under protective health measures. Children in institutional care were excluded from the population group, as these children undergo a different care and monitoring process and are not comparable to children under protective health measures, which is the focus of the study on parental attitudes. Additionally, children under 10 years old were excluded from the study because the scale could not be applied to this age group. Accordingly, the scale was administered to 86 children, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the parents of 20 children who had protective health measure decisions. As a result of the study, parental attitudes were evaluated within qualitative and quantitative findings and interpreted from the perspective of medical social work. It was observed that communication problems between parents and children, as well as environmental factors, had significant negative effects on the children. Within this context, it was found important to regularly monitor and continue supporting children under protective health measures and their families. Due to the limited number of studies on this subject in our country, the importance of academic research aimed at raising awareness has been emphasized.