| Series |
ECU School of Nursing thesis
ECU School of Nursing thesis. UNAUTHORIZED
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| Summary |
The purpose of this study was to determine what type of child care working mothers use and prefer for their mildly sick children and haw employers view employee absenteeism for the care of mildly sick children. A questionnaire for working mothers included questions pertaining to the type of sick child care used and preferred and the perceived impact of employers' policies on child A pilot study was conducted to assesscare arrangements. the clarity and appropriateness of the questions in this questionnaire developed by the researcher. Questionnaires were distributed at staff meetings to all eligible women employees with children under age seven at 22 schools and two hospitals in four counties in a southeastern state. All those eligible completed and returned the questionnaires. A total of 240 women anewered the questionnaires. Working mothers were the single most likely caregivers for their own mildly sick children (34.6%). The next most commonly used caregivers were grandparents and fathers (26.7% and lO. 6%, respect!vely). When working mothers were asked to select the type of care they preferred for their mildly sick child, they indicated in-home care by family members, relatives, or friends (88.3%) as a first choice. Their second preference was for ln-home care by trained caregivers (52. 7%). The type of mildly sick child care used and preferred was not significantly related to age of the mother, marital status, or occupation. Although 71 of 240 working mothers used day care centers for regular child care, only 8.4% indicated that the regular day care center continued care of their mildly sick children. Structured interviews were conducted with 22 principals from 22 schools and 9 head nurses from two hospitals. The employers were interviewed in regard to the effect absenteeism of female employees for care of mildly sick children had on the employing organization. All employers indicated that absenteeism for care of mildly sick children a was not a financial or staffing problem. This may be a consequence of hospital and school system policies regarding the use of sick leave. Research is needed to identify ways of educating employers regarding the impact of sick leave policies on child care and educating communities concerning passible options for mildly sick child care. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the School of Nursing. |
| General note | Advisor: Maryellen McSweeney |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 1988 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 97-98). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
