Psychological Problems, Quality of Life and Coping Strategies among Parents of children with Congenital Heart Diseases

Abstract

Background: Congenital Heart Diseases are one of serious disabilities among children. CHD are emerging health problems in our country which negatively affect on psychological status of their parents, impair their quality of life and their coping strategies. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the psychological problems, quality of life and coping strategies among parents of children with CHD. Research design: A descriptive correlational design was utilized to fulfill the aim of the study. Research setting: The study was conducted at cardiology outpatient at Benha University Hospital,. Sample: A purposive sample of 150 parents of children with CHD. Tools of data collection: Four tools were utilized to collect data; Tool (I): A structured Interviewing Questionnaire Sheet, Tool (II): (DASS) Scale, Tool (III): QOL Scale and Tool (IV): COPE Scale. Results: More than half of the studied parents have moderate levels of psychological problems (depression, anxiety and stress). In addition, less than two-thirds of them have low level of total quality of life and more than half of them have low level of total coping strategies. Conclusion: The study concluded that parents who have children with CHD are more prone to have psychological problems which negatively correlated with their QOL and COPE strategies. Recommendations: Implementation a psycho - educational training program for all parents of children with CHD to reduce their psychological problems and enhance their quality of life and their coping strategies.