Factors Which Affect the Depression of Mothers with Cerebral Palsy Child

Objectives: The high number of cerebral palsy, the severe disability of this disorder, depression in disabilities, and long lasting effects of the child`s disability on the family especially mothers are the common issues. The purpose of this study was investigating the level of depression in mothers with cerebral palsy children and its related factors. Methods: This caused comparative study was carried out in Tehran, in 2011. Two groups of mothers with 4 to 12 years old healthy and cerebral palsy children were randomly selected to participate in this study. Beck questionnaire was used to evaluate mothers' depression level. The relationship between variables was investigated by independent T-test and Pearson's correlation. Results: Sixty mothers with cerebral palsy children and sixty mothers with normal children as control group were participated in the study. Mean and standard deviation of age were 33.79±6.02 in mothers and 7.11±2.71 in children. Depression of mothers with cerebral palsy child was significantly higher than control group and there was a significant correlation between depression of mothers with cerebral palsy children, and increasing caring time, dependency in activity of daily living and children`s gross and fine movements ability. Discussion: Although depression was higher in mothers with cerebral palsy children, the depression level of these mothers was affected by some factors related to the child issue. In order to decrease undesirable effects of having a cerebral palsy child, it is necessary to emphasize on children`s abilities to achieve maximum evolution potential and provide physical and mental protections for their mothers.