Stress and depression levels of mothers who give care to children with Cerebral Palsy and Mental Retardation: A comparison study

Erdoğan Kavlak Yazışma Adresi: Pamukkale University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Denizli. e-mail: kavlake@hotmail.com Abstract Purpose:Assessment of mothers who give care to children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and mentally retarded children (MR) by Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale and Caregiver Strain Index. Materials and methods: Fifty-six mothers living in Denizli (children with CP n=33, children with MR n=23) were included the study. Stress of mothers of CP and MR children at the process of giving care, were assessed with Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale and Caregiver Strain Index and conditions of depression were assessed with Beck Depression Inventory. Motor development levels of children with CP and MR were determined with Classic Motor Development Level. Results: When Classic Motor Development Level of children with CP were compared with Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale of mothers, a statistically significant and negative correlation was found (p=0.01). In comparison of Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale of mothers having children with CP and MR, there was a statistically significant difference towards stress burden of mothers with cerebral palsy children was higher (p=0.03). Conclusion: We found that caregiving stress of mothers of children with CP was higher. Better motor development level provides less burden of caregiving and depressive symptoms of mothers in disabled children.