Depression and Coping Patterns in Mothers Caring for Children with Epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases in childhood terms. Mothers that care for children with epilepsy are usually at a high risk of psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety than norms. Parental coping is an important area to focus on to enhance child condition. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess depression and coping patterns in mothers caring for children with epilepsy. Research Design: A descriptive research design was used. Setting: The present study was fulfilled at Neurology outpatient clinic at El-Ahrar General Hospital at Zagazig City in Sharkia Governorate. Subjects: The sample comprised 140 mothers of children with epilepsy. Tools of Data Collection: Three tools were utilized including: Socio-demographic/medical data sheet, Beck's Depression Inventory and Coping Health Inventory for Parents. Results: Thirty percent of mothers suffered from depression. Majority of mothers were unable to have family integration coping, social support coping, medical situation coping and total coping. Moreover, depression was negatively and highly significantly correlated with total coping, family integration coping, medical situation coping, and social support coping. Conclusion: Nearly one third of mothers suffered from depression and majority of them were unable to cope with child disease. Depression in mothers was negatively and highly significantly correlated with their coping ability with child disease. Recommendations: It is recommended to provide mothers of epileptic children with nursing intervention programs about different coping strategies and how to manage psychological problems.