Abstract 13624: Rates of Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Parents of Children With Congenital Heart Disease Using the DASS

Abstract

Introduction: There have been many studies investigating the rate of mental health disorders for caregivers of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) but the types and timing of evaluation vary. The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative recommends using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) to evaluate parents between 6-36 months of age. The DASS is a self-completed questionnaire that evaluates for depression, anxiety and stress. There has not been a study investigating the use of DASS in parents of children with CHD. Hypothesis: Our hypothesis was that DASS scores would peak initially and improve with time. Methods: This study was a single centered, retrospective review from January 1, 2018 to June 1, 2020. Eligible subjects were parents of CHD patients seen in our Neurodevelopmental clinic who completed the DASS. Demographic data, clinical history of the child and DASS scores were recorded. Cox-regression analysis was conducted using a composite end point of having an abnormal score in any of the three DASS domains, depression, anxiety or stress. Data for mothers and fathers were analyzed separately. Results: 273 mothers and 139 fathers were enrolled. For mothers, elevated scores in each domain were increased at the 12 and 24 months appointments. For fathers, scores for each domain were elevated initially, followed by a decrease before peaking later on. Paternal scores for depression were increased at 36 months and paternal scores for anxiety and stress were increased at 30 months. Increased length of stay for the index surgery was associated with an abnormal DASS score for mothers (B 0.02, p< 0.01) and fathers (B 0.01, p=0.04). Being in a relationship with the father (B -0.8, p<0.01) was associated with freedom of an abnormal DASS score for mothers. Conclusions: Abnormal DASS scores peak at different time points for mothers and fathers. These time points may be critical time points to offer social support for parents. In addition, increased length of stay for the child’s index surgery and the parents being in a relationship are important factors in the development of mental distress in parents.