Document Type

Article

Language

Eng

Publication Date

1-2018

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Congenital Heart Disease

Source ISSN

1747-079X

Abstract

Objective

The study examined parent stress and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among families of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) referred for psychological services.

Methods

Parents of 54 children (85% boys) aged 3 to 13 (Mage = 7.48, SD = 2.38) completed measures to assess parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index – Short Form; Pediatric Inventory for Parents) and the PedsQL Family Impact Module. Medical information was retrieved from medical record review.

Results

Half of parents of children with single ventricle anatomy had clinically significant levels of parenting stress. Parents of children with single ventricle anatomy reported more frequent illness‐related stress and more difficulty dealing with illness‐related stress than parents of children with two ventricle anatomy. Younger gestational age at birth and referral for attention or behavior problems were associated with greater likelihood of parent at‐risk psychosocial functioning.

Conclusions

Among children referred for psychological services, many parents report significant stress and significant negative impact of the child's medical condition on the family. Results underscore the need to consider assessing parent psychosocial functioning and providing additional support for parents of children with CHD.

Comments

Accepted version. Congenital Heart Disease, Vol. 13, No. 1 (January/February 2018): 72-78. DOI. © 2018 Congenital Heart Disease is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.

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