Faculty Collaboration Database

Stress and quality of life among parents of children with congenital heart disease referred for psychological services. Congenit Heart Dis 2018 Jan;13(1):72-78

Date

10/27/2017

Pubmed ID

29071790

DOI

10.1111/chd.12547

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85032223364 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   44 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The study examined parent stress and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among families of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) referred for psychological services.

METHODS: Parents of 54 children (85% boys) aged 3 to 13 (M_age  = 7.48, SD = 2.38) completed measures to assess parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index - Short Form; Pediatric Inventory for Parents) and the PedsQL Family Impact Module. Medical information was retrieved from medical record review.

RESULTS: Half of parents of children with single ventricle anatomy had clinically significant levels of parenting stress. Parents of children with single ventricle anatomy reported more frequent illness-related stress and more difficulty dealing with illness-related stress than parents of children with two ventricle anatomy. Younger gestational age at birth and referral for attention or behavior problems were associated with greater likelihood of parent at-risk psychosocial functioning.

CONCLUSIONS: Among children referred for psychological services, many parents report significant stress and significant negative impact of the child's medical condition on the family. Results underscore the need to consider assessing parent psychosocial functioning and providing additional support for parents of children with CHD.

Author List

Kaugars A, Shields C, Brosig C

Authors

Cheryl L. Brosig Soto PhD Chief, Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Astrida Kaugars PhD Associate Professor of Psychology in the Psychology department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Behavioral Medicine
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Heart Defects, Congenital
Humans
Male
Parenting
Parents
Quality of Life
Referral and Consultation
Retrospective Studies
Stress, Psychological
Surveys and Questionnaires