Factors Associated with Parental Stress and Depression in Caring for Children with Mild Cerebral Palsy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Parents of Children with cerebral palsy (CP) with a potential for independence in self-care and have access to a range of multidisciplinary rehabilitation therapies continue to experience significant stress and depression. This study seeks to assess the extent and identify the factors contributing to parental stress and depression in this group. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a rehabilitation center on parents respectively of children with CP. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire comprising socioeconomic details, the Parental Stress Scale (18 items), and the Beck Depression Inventory (21 items). Stress and Depression levels were categorized and analyzed for associations with socio-demographic variables using chi-square tests, odds ratios, and logistic regression in SAS® software. Results: Moderate to severe stress and depression was experienced by 73.3% and 61.7% parents. The child’s age (5-15 years) was significantly associated with higher parental stress (Adjusted OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.0–10.6, p=0.04). For depression, shorter sleep duration (Adjusted OR 6.3, 95% CI 1.3–31.5, p=0.01). Higher paternal education and income showed associations in univariate analysis but were not independent predictors. Conclusion: Parents of children with CP who are on the path to self-sufficiency also endure considerable stress and depression, particularly when the child is of school-going age and when parental sleep is inadequate. Despite access to rehabilitation and educational services, the psychological burden remains significant.
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7207785563