Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children with Cerebral Palsy versus Those with Typically Developing Children

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QOL) among caregivers of children with cerebral palsy and those caring for typically developing children. Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted using convenience sampling to recruit 60 subjects. Anxiety, depression, and QOL were assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale, respectively. Results: The mean age of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy was 33.63±6.94 years, compared to 32±5.003 years for caregivers of typically developing children. Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy exhibited significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression, as well as poorer QOL, than those caring for typically developing children (P<0.05). Conclusion: Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy experience higher levels of anxiety and depression and a poorer QOL compared to caregivers of typically developing children.