EFFECT OF THE PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT ON SCHOOL SUCCESS OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC DISEASE

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the effect of the perceived social support by chronic diseased students on their school success. This cross-sectional and descriptive research was conducted with hospitalised chronic diseased children aged between 10-16 years. Data of the study was collected by using Perceived Social Support Scale. The research has been conducted with a questionnaire method. School life of children with diagnosed chronic disease is interrupted by; frequent hospitalizations, controls, treatment approaches and medicational side effects. The children who participated the survey were determined to fall behind in their lessons and had decreased school success when compared to peers. While these factors affect children’s school adaptation and success, social support has been shown have positive effects on these topics. While chronic diseases were detected to have negative effects on children's school success, perceived social support has been determined to have positive effects. Besides, children stated that existence of a school nurse would not only help in their treatment and make them feel safer at school but also would prevent absenteeism. Social support and existence of a school nurse are important factors in the school success of chronic diseased children.