Predictors of stress in mothers of children with cerebral palsy in Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective: To identify the stress experienced by mothers of young children with cerebral palsy in Bangladesh and to determine predictive factors. Methods: We recruited 91 mothers of children with cerebral palsy ages 1.5 to 5 years as they sought services at an urban and a rural center for their children. Mothers were interviewed with the Self-Report Questionnaire and other family background and child behavior measures. The children were examined by a pediatrician and by a psychologist. Results: Out of 91, 38 (41.8%) mothers were at risk for psychiatric morbidity. Significantly associated factors included living in the rural area within a poor family, with a relatively older child. The strongest predictor of maternal stress in multivariate analysis was child behavior problems, especially those related to burden of caring. Conclusions: Ensuring practical help for mothers and advice on managing common behavior problems are important components of intervention, as they may directly help to relieve stress on mothers of young disabled children in developing countries.