Anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction in parents caring for children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression and the extent of life satisfaction in parents caring for children with cystic fibrosis (CF) in Germany.

Methods: The study included 650 caregivers of 564 children with CF ages 0-17, who completed the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Questions on Life Satisfaction (FLZ(M) ).

Results: More than one-third (37.2%) of parents showed elevated levels of anxious symptoms, compared to 18.9% of a population sample (P≤0.001) and significantly more parents reported elevated levels of depressive symptoms compared to a community sample (28% vs. 21%, P=0.01). Higher levels of anxious and depressive symptoms were associated with lower life satisfaction (P<0.001).

Conclusions: High levels of anxious and depressive symptoms among parents of children with CF suggested that annual symptom screening is warranted. This will facilitate identification of those at risk and provide referrals and intervention for those who are in need of it.