Mothers, Caregiver Burden and its Relationship with their Parenting Style and Severity of Disorder in Children with Attention Deficit- Hyperactivity Disorder referred to Psychiatric Clinics of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Literature indicates high levels of burden in primary caregivers of children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Identifying the related factors might help in planning the interventions to reduce it. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the caregiver burden of mothers and its relationship with parenting style and the severity of the disorder in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Iran. Methods: In this correlational study, 246 mothers with children and adolescents suffering from ADHD referred to psychiatric clinics of Tabriz University of medical sciences were included through a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic information form, Zarit Burden Interview, Swanson Nolan and Pelham Parent Rating Scale-IV, the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia -present and lifetime version and Parenting Styles Inventory (PSI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance and multiple linear regression analysis by SPSS software version 13.

Results: A majority of children (66%) were in the combined subtype. The mean of the disorder severity was 1.91±0.79, 1.76±0.70 and 1.81±0.61 in impulsive, inattentive, and combined subtypes, respectively. The mean of mothers' caregiver burden was 40.43±1.38. A significant relationship was found between the mean severity of the disorder subtypes and caregiver burden. The highest mean of parenting style is related to the authoritative parenting style (30.04±4). There was a significant relationship between total caregiver burden and authoritarian parenting style (p=0.00).The variables of family income quality status, mothers' educational status, spouse's educational status and participation of other family members in care had a significant relationship with caregiver burden.

Conclusion: Regarding the results of the study, screening and investigating of mothers' caregiver burden in clinical environment is suggested in order to identify high-risk caregivers. It may provide an effective way to refer caregivers to health and social services Psychiatric nurses and other experts on this field might be provided with the opportunity for giving consultation or designing family-centered plans in order to reduce caregiver burden in mothers and increase their efficient adaptability. Given the role of family-related factors in the burden of care in mothers of children with ADHD, family-centered care and home visits are recommended to assist mothers of these children.