The relationship between the clinical features of children with cerebral palsy and the moods of their parents

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the depression and anxiety levels between mothers and fathers of children with ceebral palsy (CP) and to explore the association between the clinical features of children with CP and the moods of their parents. Materials and methods: A total of 95 children with CP and their parents were included in this cross sectional study. The type of CP was identified and their functional levels were assessed with the Gross Motor Functional Classification System and the Bimanual Fine Motor Function. The depression and anxiety levels of parents was evaluated with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: The mothers of children with CP had significantly higher anxiety levels compared to the fathers of children with CP whereas there were no statistically significant difference between depression levels of mothers and fathers. Mother’s anxiety and depression levels showed positive correlation with functional status of children with CP. Father’s depression level, furthermore a positive correlation between mother’s anxiety level and father’s anxiety level was demonstrated. Moreover, father’s depression and anxiety level exhibited a poor positive correlation with functional status of children with CP. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that mothers of children with CP had significantly higher anxious mood compared to the fathers of them. Identifying which factors are associated with moods of each parents of children with CP may provide benefit in order to determine the active support for family.