Training on the Heimlich Maneuver for Mothers of Children With Disabilities

What this study involves

The registry says this study is recruiting. Individual locations may have different availability.

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Age range

18 years - Not specified

Sex eligible

Female

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

Participants

70 Estimated

These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.

About the research

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.

Who may be able to participate?

The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.

Inclusion Criteria:

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

Exclusion Criteria:

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

Treatment, groups and participation

The registry may describe treatments and study duration without a complete visit calendar. Ask the study team for the exact schedule, procedures, risks, costs and alternatives. Keep your usual care plan unless your treating clinician tells you otherwise.

Assignment

Random assignment

Masking

No masking

What researchers are measuring

Outcome measures describe what is being studied. They are not proof that a treatment works.

Primary measures

Research locations (1)

The overall study status and a local site’s status can differ. Confirm that location’s availability before traveling.

1 locations

Study team and timeline

Lead sponsor

University of Yalova

Study start

Jun 1, 2016 Actual

Primary completion

Oct 30, 2026 Actual

Study completion

Nov 30, 2026 Estimated

First posted

Jul 13, 2026 Actual

Last updated

Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Official study contacts