Self-rated health in mothers of children hospitalised for severe illnesses and mothers of healthy children: cross-sectional study

Introduction Self-rated health (SRH) is a recognised tool for predicting morbidity and mortality. Aim The aim of the study was to investigate and compare SRH in a group of mothers of hospitalised children and mothers of healthy children and to indicate the variables associated with poor SRH in both groups. Methods We conducted questionnaire-based cross-sectional research in a group of 184 women. Half of the respondents (n = 92) were the mothers of children hospitalised for a severe illnesses (Group H). The control group (n = 92) comprised mothers of healthy children (Group C). Self-Rated Health (SRH), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-40 v. GP) were used. In order to facilitate critical appraisal and interpretation of results, STROBE recommendations were used. Results The prevalence of poor SRH was greater in mothers of children hospitalised for a severe illness than in those of healthy children (35 and 19%, respectively). In both groups, the risk of poor SRH was statistically significantly higher in those mothers who for the past 7 days reported at least moderate pain and in mothers who manifested anxiety symptoms. In both groups, the prevalence of poor SRH was statistically significantly lower if the respondents' children were in good health. The risk of poor SRH was associated with poor financial status in group H and with depression and at least moderate pain for the past 7 days in group C. Relevance to clinical practice In order to provide mothers of severely ill children with high-quality health care including preventive measures, it is recommended that their health is assessed by healthcare professionals.