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NCT Number: NCT07699341

Training on the Heimlich Maneuver for Mothers of Children With Disabilities

Foreign body obstruction is one of the most common causes of medical emergencies, particularly in childhood, and can lead to fatal outcomes if not treated promptly and correctly. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effect of hands-on Heimlich maneuver training for mothers of children with disabilities on the mothers' knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, and anxiety levels. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, the study is planned to include 70 mothers (experimental group: 35, control group: 35) of children aged 1-8 years attending a private rehabilitation center in the Besni district of Adıyaman. Data collection tools will consist of a demographic information form, a Heimlich maneuver knowledge and skill test, and self-efficacy and anxiety scales. A pilot study will be conducted to evaluate the validity and reliability of the data collection tools, test their comprehensibility for the mothers, and identify potential problems that may arise during implementation. Prior to the start of the training, the knowledge levels of all mothers will be assessed via a questionnaire. The Heimlich maneuver training provided to mothers in the experimental group will be delivered hands-on using a pediatric Heimlich mannequin. One month after the training, a post-test will be administered to the mothers. Mothers in the control group will be informed about the study during the initial interview and will take a pre-test. One month after the training, the mothers will take the post-test. Mothers in the control group will be informed about the study during the initial interview and will take the pre-test. The post-test will be administered one month later, after which the mothers in this group will also receive maneuver training. The mothers' pre-test and post-test scores will be compared both within and between groups.

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Key information

Conditions

Disabilities Multiple Airway Obstruction Foreign Body Aspiration Obstruction Airway Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Respiration Disorders Respiratory Aspiration Respiratory Insufficiency Respiratory Tract Diseases

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Be a mother of a child with a disability, aged 1-8, who is enrolled in a rehabilitation center.
  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Be able to read and understand the research protocol, provide written informed consent, and agree to participate.
  • Be physically able to participate in the training (standing/model-based exercises).

Exclusion criteria

  • Must have previously received professional Heimlich maneuver/first aid training (those who have taken a course within the last 2 years).
  • Those who are unable to participate in hands-on training due to physical limitations (e.g., severe heart disease, mobility issues).
  • Individuals determined to be unsuitable for training or assessments due to psychiatric or neurological conditions.
  • Children with severe respiratory system disorders (e.g., tracheostomy, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia),
  • Children who have undergone heart surgery or have a serious cardiac anomaly,
  • Children with severe orthopedic or neurological disabilities for whom performing the Heimlich maneuver may be risky,
  • Children with congenital anomalies of the trachea or upper respiratory tract (e.g., tracheoesophageal fistula),
  • Children requiring mechanical ventilator support or continuous oxygen therapy.
  • Withdrawing from participation during the study or failing to attend any of the training/testing sessions.

Treatment and study plan

Heimlich Maneuver training

Behavioral

The Heimlich Maneuver training materials were prepared based on the first aid guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey. A guide supported by visuals was also prepared to serve as a reminder. The training was demonstrated hands-on using a mannequin, and participants then practiced the technique under the supervision of a parent.

Primary outcomes

  1. Heimlich Knowledge Test

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8

    Parental first aid knowledge was assessed using a researcher-developed 12-item multiple-choice knowledge test. The test includes questions on recognition of foreign body obstruction, correct first aid steps, calling for emergency assistance, and age-group-specific application knowledge. Each correct answer was scored as 1 point and incorrect answers as 0 points. Total scores range from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating better first aid knowledge.

  2. Parental Self-Efficacy Scale

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8

    Parental self-efficacy was assessed using the Parental Self-Efficacy Scale. The scale consists of 17 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale. Total scores range from 17 to 119, with higher scores indicating higher parental self-efficacy.

  3. Beck Anxiety Inventory Score

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8

    Anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory. The scale consists of 21 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Each item is scored from 0 to 3, resulting in a total score ranging from 0 to 63. Higher total scores indicate greater severity of anxiety symptoms.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

EMEL AVÇİN, Assist Prof

CONTACT

[email protected]

05534524243

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Yalova

Other

Registry information

Official study title

For a Safe Breath: Training on the Heimlich Maneuver for Mothers of Children With Disabilities in Cases of Foreign Body Obstruction

Important dates

Study start
2016
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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