A comparison of parenting stress between mothers of children with spina bifida and able-bodied controls

Abstract

Objectives: To compare parenting stress between mothers of children with spina bifida (SB) and able bodied controls.

Methods: Sixty-six mothers of children with SB and controls (matched for age, sex and ethnicity) completed the Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI/SF) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Each child's adaptive skills was assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS).

Results: Mothers of children with SB had significantly higher scores for GHQ-12 and the Parental Distress (PD), Parent-Child Dysfunctional Interaction (P-CDI) and Difficult Child (DC) sub-scales of the PSI/SF, even after adjusting for socioeconomic and caregiver status. Single parent status, having a child with SB and higher Life Stress scores were associated with higher PD and DC scores. Lower VABS scores were associated with higher P-CDI scores.

Conclusion: Factors such as recent life change events, single parent status and the child's adaptive skills modify the impact of spina bifida on parenting stress.