Sociodemographic predictors of parenting stress among mothers in disadvantaged settings: evidence from rural and urban study sites in Kenya and Zambia

Abstract

Background: Parental stress occurs when parenting demands are greater than the resources available to cope with parenting. Previous research has identified household wealth, educational level, marital status, age, and number of dependent children as predictors of parental stress. However, limited evidence exists from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study investigated the sociodemographic predictors of parenting stress among mothers in Kenya and Zambia. Methods: Data were obtained from longitudinal nurturing care evaluation studies conducted in rural and urban study sites in Kenya and Zambia. Mean parental stress scores (PSS) were compared across study sites, and multiple regression modelling was used to examine associations between sociodemographic predictors (household income, educational level, marital status, maternal age, child age, number of children aged <5 years) and PSS, adjusting for clustering and other predictors. Results: The mean PSS was lower in rural study sites and higher in urban sites (Kenya rural: 37.6 [SD=11.8], Kenya urban: 48.8 [SD=4.2], and Zambia rural: 43.0 [SD=9.1]). In addition, mothers’ income and educational level were associated with PSS (income: Kenya rural, β = -0.43; 95% CI[-16.07, -5.74]; P =.003**; Kenya urban, β = -0.33; 95% CI[-6.69, -0.80]; P =.01*; education: Kenya rural, β = -0.24; 95% CI[-8.97, -1.68]; P=.005**). Conclusion: Measures to increase education levels, alleviate poverty, and improve household incomes, such as subsidising childcare, improving parental stress levels, and positive parenting practices, lead to better growth and development of their children. Trial registration: PACTR201905787868050 and PACTR20180774832663