Controlled study of anxiety and depression in mothers of children with learning disability in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Parents of children with learning disability have been reported to suffer great stress and frustration due to increased burden of care. The manifestation of stigmatization by familial environment and the collective effect of the children with adverse impact on mothers predispose them to mental shock or a variety of neurotic symptoms and other psychiatric conditions including anxiety and depression. The objectives of the study were: to determine the general Health Questionnaire (GHQ) score of mothers of children with learning disability. To identify sociodemographic variables and to assess anxiety and depression in them.

Methods: Using structured questionnaires between March and May 2002, 106 mothers of children with learning disability in a Mentally Handicapped Home for children in Lagos, Nigeria were assessed and compared with mothers of normal healthy children in Lagos.

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 40.0±6.6 years. More of the subjects (26.4%) compared with mothers of normal healthy children (9.9%) had a high GHQ score and high levels of anxiety (25.5%) and depression (10.4%). Marital difficulties were associated with learning disability.

Conclusion: Mothers of children with learning disability are prone to emotional and psychological disorders. In order to improve the well-being of children with learning disability, there is need to look into the mental and physical health of mothers. Early and prompt treatment of associated anxiety and depression will no doubt help the children.

Keywords: anxiety, depression, mothers, learning disability

Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 15(2) 2006: 124-127