ABSTRACT

Aim:

This study aims to compare depressive symptoms and perceived familial support levels between mothers having physically and mentally handicapped children and mothers not having physically and mentally handicapped educable children.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 80 volunteer mothers having mentally and/or physically disabled educable children (n=40) and mothers not having disabled children (n=40). This is a case-control study. Our assessment measurements were General Information Form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Perceived Social Support Taken From Family (PSSF).

Results:

In both groups marriage relations and BDI-PSSF scores were compared. It is ascertained that mothers having disabled children the marriage satisfaction is low (p<0.001). BDE score of the women having disabled children is 24.7±9.8, and the women having healthy child is 18.8±10.2; PSSF score of the women having disabled child is 28.0±7.9 and the women having healthy child is 20.6±9.0. The significant difference has been found between the groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

It has been concluded that the mothers with a disabled child have problems with their family and husband relations, the perceived social support is lower and they have higher depression scores. Mothers with a mentally and/or physically disabled child are more in need of psychosocial support. Disabled children and their families being in the first place, primary health care services and integrated psychosocial support programs must be commenced as a health improvement approach.