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01-10-2014

Anxiety and Depression in Mothers and Fathers of a Chronically Ill Child

Authors: H. A. van Oers, L. Haverman, P. F. Limperg, E. M. van Dijk-Lokkart, H. Maurice-Stam, M. A. Grootenhuis

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 8/2014

Abstract

We aimed to determine the levels of anxiety and depression in mothers and fathers of a chronically ill child (0–18 years) and to study which parental and child variables are associated with anxiety and depression. In a cross-sectional design, anxiety and depression were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Scores were compared to a Dutch reference group by analysis of variance and logistic regression analysis. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine which variables were associated with anxiety and depression. Mothers of a chronically ill child (n = 566) scored significantly higher than the reference group (p < .001) on anxiety (Mean 5.9 vs 4.8) and depression (Mean 4.5 vs 3.1). Fathers (n = 123) had higher depression scores (Mean 4.5 vs 3.6; p < .05), but fathers’ anxiety scores were comparable to the reference group. The percentages of mothers in the clinical range of anxiety (31.8 vs 20.7 %, OR 2.03, 95 % CI 1.46–2.83) and depression (23.0 vs 12.0 %, OR 2.76, 95 % CI 1.84–4.13) were higher (p < .001) than in the reference group. No differences were found for fathers in the clinical range for anxiety and depression. Practical problems in daily life (a: β = .33, d: β = .25) and parenting stress (a: β = .30, d: β = .32) showed the strongest association with anxiety and depression for parents as a group. Illness-related characteristics of the child were not related. Parents of a chronically ill child, especially mothers, reported high levels of anxiety and depression. Awareness about parental anxiety and depression in pediatrics is important as well as targeted interventions.

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Title: Anxiety and Depression in Mothers and Fathers of a Chronically Ill Child
Authors: H. A. van Oers
L. Haverman
P. F. Limperg
E. M. van Dijk-Lokkart
H. Maurice-Stam
M. A. Grootenhuis
Publication date: 01-10-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 8/2014
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-014-1445-8

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