Prevalence and Levels of Depression Among Parents of Children with Cancer in Basrah, Iraq
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2016, Vol 16, Issue 3
Abstract
Objectives: Cancer in a family member can be a major source of psychological disorders, especially for the parents of children diagnosed with cancer. Tis study aimed to determine the prevalence and levels of depression among parents of children with cancer in Basrah, Iraq. Methods: Tis cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2014 and April 2015 at the Specialist Paediatric Hospital in Basrah City, Iraq. One parent each of 384 children with cancer admitted to the hospital for treatment or follow-up during the study period were invited to participate in the study. Age, gender, years of education, occupation, monthly income, place of residence and the overall number of children in a family were recorded. Te Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to identify depression and assess levels of depression. Results: A total of 336 parents participated in the study (response rate: 87.5%). Of these, 70.5% were depressed, 54.1% of which had major depression. Depression was signifcantly more common (77.2% versus 57.1%) and more severe (60.7% versus 41.1%) among mothers compared to fathers (P = 0.001). Parents with fewer years of education were more likely to be depressed; this association was signifcant for mothers but not fathers (P = 0.001 and 0.814, respectively). Depression was signifcantly inversely associated with monthly income (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Te prevalence of depression among the parents of children with cancer was high. Depression was signifcantly more severe among mothers compared to fathers and among mothers who were less educated. Income also had a signifcant association with levels of depression among parents.
Authors and Affiliations
Shukrya K. Al-Maliki| Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq, Jasim Al-Asadi| Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Basrah, Basrah, Iraq, Akeel Al-Waely| Department of Community Medicine ,College of Medicine, University of Misan, Maysan, Iraq, Sabah Agha| General Directorate of Health, Basrah, Iraq
Keywords
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