Degree of Parenting Stress and Fatigue Perceived by Primary Caregivers of Young Children

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for nursing interventions to assist primary caregivers of young children by determining the degree stress and fatigue that caregivers were under due to parenting young children. Methods: Participants were primary caregivers (181 mothers and 160 grandmothers) of young children. Results: 1) Mean score for degree of parenting stress was 2.61 (±.69) and for fatigue, 1.97 (±.54). 2) There was a significant difference in degree of parenting stress according to primary caregivers’ age, employment status, income, whether the children were wanted babies, health status of the children and caregivers, personality of the children, and benefits from, and satisfaction with costs of childcare. Likewise, there was a significant difference in degree of fatigue according to relationship of primary caregivers to the children, primary caregivers’ age, religion, income, whether the children were wanted babies, health status of the children and caregivers, personality of the children, and benefits from, and satisfaction with costs of childcare. 3) Stress and fatigue perceived by the primary caregivers were significantly correlated (r=.554 p<.001). Conclusion: To alleviate more effectively primary caregivers’ parenting stress and fatigue, early nursing intervention and educational programs need to be developed.