Functional disability of children with spina bifida: its impact on parents' psychological status and family functioning.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of functional disability of Turkish children with spina bifida (SB) on parents' psychological status and family functioning.

METHODS

Fifty-four children with SB and parents were included. The Functional Measure for Children (WeeFIM), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Family Assessment Device (FAD) were used.

RESULTS

Mothers' BDI scores were significantly higher than fathers' (p < 0.001). No significant effects of the knowledge of having children with SB before birth and the number of children in families on BDI scores and FAD sub-scores were found (p > 0.05). According to multiple regression analysis; significant correlations with fathers' BDI were problem-solving (p = 0.012) and general functioning (p = 0.037) and with mothers' BDI was roles (p = 0.018). Only childrens age was found to be an influential variable on WeeFIM scores (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Spina bifida healthcare should include psychological support to parents of these children and this support should be independent from disability level of children.