Predictors of caregiver depression and family functioning after perinatal stroke

Abstract

BackgroundPerinatal stroke is a leading cause of cerebral palsy and lifelong neurological morbidity. Studies on perinatal stroke outcomes are increasing, although examinations of its broader impact on parents and families have been limited. A recent study found that parents of children with moderate and severe outcomes have increased risk for psychosocial concerns, including depressive symptoms and poor family functioning. Other parents adapt remarkably well, but how this occurs is unknown. The primary aim of this study was to examine predictors of parent and family outcomes, namely caregiver depression and family functioning. The secondary aim was to explore potential mediators and moderators of the relationship between condition severity and parent and family outcomes.MethodsParents were recruited from a large, population-based perinatal stroke research cohort, and they completed measures assessing their demographics, social supports, stress levels, marital quality, feelings of guilt and blame, psychological well-being, and family functioning. Bivariate analyses compared these variables. Predictor variables, mediators, and moderators were chosen according to the strength of their relationship with the outcome variables (i.e., caregiver depression and family functioning) and theory. Hierarchical regression, mediator, and moderator analyses were conducted accordingly.ResultsA total of 103 parents participated in this study (76 mothers, 27 fathers; mean age of 39.2 years; mean child age of 7.46 years). Condition severity, anxiety, social support, and blame independently predicted caregiver depression while condition severity, stress levels, and marital quality independently predicted family functioning. Blame regarding the cause of their child’s condition also mediated the relationship between condition severity and caregiver depression.ConclusionsAdverse parental outcomes can be predicted in perinatal stroke populations. Moreover, anxiety and stress management techniques, marital support, and psychoeducation regarding the unpreventable nature of perinatal stroke may be utilized in the future to enhance family outcomes.

Participatory design in the development of an early therapy intervention for perinatal stroke

“…Parents mentioned the strong sense of guilt and self-blame experienced after a diagnosis of perinatal stroke – a recognised problem [74, 75]:… you blame yourself and then you, you think that everyone else is blaming you as well. – Mother, Focus group 1…”

“…Furthermore, following a diagnosis of perinatal stroke, families experience a range of emotions including feelings of guilt and self-blame [74, 75]. There is also uncertainty about the future in terms of the nature and severity of difficulties their child may face.…”

Age at referral for diagnosis and rehabilitation services for cerebral palsy: a scoping review

“…early diagnosis, positive attributes of the physician, informative content) has been linked with better adaptation . Failure to promptly identify and support parental psychosocial issues may contribute to mental health morbidity for the family of the child with CP …”

Predictors of Quality of Life and its Impact on Coping Styles ni Stroke Caregivers

“…Human is a social being and to meet the different daily needs, and sharing feeling, it is necessary to meet other people in our in around. Likewise, it is also reported in a study [17] that social support had strong correlation with quality of life outcomes in caregivers. Study found that availability of sub-caregivers at home to help in care of survivors is a true predictor of quality of life and satisfaction to health among caregivers.…”