Mental health of parents of children with a developmental disability in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Background There is evidence in the literature that parents of children who have a developmental disability experience an increased risk of mental health problems. Methods This study used population-level administrative data from the Ministry of Health, British Columbia, Canada, to assess the mental health of parents of children who have a developmental disability compared with the mental health of parents of children who do not have a developmental disability. Population-level and individual explanatory variables available in the data were included in the models. Results At a population level, the study found strong evidence that parents of children who have a developmental disability experience higher odds of depression or other mental health diagnoses compared with parents of children who do not have a developmental disability. Age of the parent at birth of the child, income and location of healthcare services were all associated with outcomes. Conclusion Parents of children who have a developmental disability may be in need of programmes and services that support their mental health.