Factors associated with mental health problems of mothers of delayed development children

บทคัดย่อ

Objectives To identify the factors associated with mental health problems of mothers of delayed development children in hospitals in the southern region.

Materials and methods This was case–control study. A total of 210 mothers of children with delayed development at development stimulation clinics in hospitals of three provinces in the southern region; Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla. Cases and controls were identified by mental health screening scale using the modified Parental Stress Scale (PSS). Data collection was performed from October 2013 to March 2014, using self–administered questionnaires: child’s adaptive developmental quotient, family member involvement, parenting competence, family impact, family relationship and social support and child’s personal data record forms. The chi–square test was used to test the association among independent variables (mothers’ personal–social, child’s personal and environmental factors) and maternal mental health problems. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the magnitude of associations and predict mental health problems among mothers of delayed development children.

Results Factors significantly associated with maternal mental health problems were parenting competence and social support.

Conclusion Level of parenting competence and lower levels of social support were factors associated with maternal mental health problems. The promotion of parenting competence, and emo-tional, tangible, and informational support have been important to the focus of parent training programs. These help these mothers to manage their mental health problems more effectively and increase their parenting behavior and skills.