Relationship between the burden of care and fear of disease progression in mothers of children with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Objectives: Aim of this study was determining the relationship between burden of care and fear of disease progression in mothers of children with cystic fibrosis. Methodology: 142 mothers of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) participated in this correlational study. Data were collected with sequential method. The researchers employed the self-report Zarit burden of care and fear of disease progression questionnaire in parents of children with CF. Mothers answered the questioners separately. Data were analyzed with statistical analysis of variance and independent t-test. Results: According to the results, the mean maternal burden of care was 34.12 ± 69.77, and the mean fear of disease progression was 32.12 ± 92.11. The burden of care had the highest regression effect on fear of disease progression in mothers of children with CF (β = 0.896). With an increase of one unit of standard deviation in the burden of care, an increase of 0.896 units occurred in fear of disease progression in parents of children with CF. Conclusion: Mothers of children with CF experience a moderate burden of care and fear of disease progression. An increase in the burden of care and psychological stress increases the fear of disease progression in these mothers.