Predictors of parenting stress in mothers of children with spina bifida

Study design: Prospective cross-sectional multidimensional study using clinical assessment and standard measures. Objectives: To determine the medical and social factors associated with parenting stress among mothers of children with spina bifida. Setting: Spina bifida clinics of two tertiary hospitals in urban Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: A total of 81 mothers of children aged 1-18 years completed the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI/SF). Each child's adaptive skills were assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS), Interview Edition. Medical and social data were obtained from direct interviews and case note reviews. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to investigate factors that were determinants for high scores in the parental distress (PD), difficult child (DC) and parent-child dysfunctional interaction (P-CDI) subdomains of the PSI/SF. Results were expressed as beta coefficient (beta) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results: Single-parent families (beta 8.6, 95% Cl 3.4-13.9) and the need for clean intermittent catheterization of bladder (beta 3.5, 95% Cl 0.7-6.2) were associated with high PD scores. Clean intermittent catheterization (beta 3.0, 95% Cl 0.5-5.5) was associated with higher DC scores. Lower composite VABS scores (beta -0.08, 95% Cl -0.02 to -0.15) and mother as the sole caregiver (beta 2.6, 95% Cl 0.15-4.96) was associated with higher P-CDI scores. Conclusion: The need for clean intermittent catheterization was the only medical factor associated with parenting stress in mothers of children with spina bifida. This was mediated by single parenthood, caregiver status and the child's adaptive skills. Spinal Cord (2011) 49, 376-380; doi:10.1038/sc.2010.125; published online 14 September 2010