Does socioeconomic position moderate the impact of child behaviour problems on maternal health in South Asian families with a child with intellectual disabilities?

Abstract

Background Previous research has reported robust associations between child problem behaviours and parental health in families with a child with intellectual disabilities. A recent study found that socioeconomic position may moderate this relationship. This paper examines moderating effects using more diverse indicators of socioeconomic position and parental health and in a cross-cultural context.Methods Structured interviews were conducted with 123 UK South Asian mothers of a child with severe intellectual disabilities.Results Socioeconomic position did not moderate the association between child problem behaviours and maternal distress. Socioeconomic position did moderate associations between child problem behaviours and maternal anxiety, depression and self-assessed health.Conclusions Future research should systematically investigate the influence of socioeconomic position on family functioning.