Stress Among Parents Of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders –A Cross-Sectional Study
Keywords:
Neurodevelopmental, Psychological, StressAbstract
Background: Parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often experience significant psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress. This study was conducted to assess these levels of distress and explore associations with the child’s diagnosis and the parent's gender.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Child Guidance Clinic at R.L. Jalappa Hospital from March to April 2025, involving 65 parents of children with NDDs. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used for assessment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results: The study found high levels of psychological distress among parents: 87.7% experienced depression, 83.1% anxiety, and 84.6% stress. The most common severity levels were moderate depression (46.2%), moderate anxiety (29.2%), and mild stress (38.5%). No significant associations were found between the type of NDD or parent gender and levels of distress.
Conclusion: A high prevalence of psychological distress was observed among parents of children with NDDs. These findings highlight the importance of family-centered support, including psychoeducation, stress management, and peer support, to improve caregiver well-being and overall outcomes.
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