Anxiety and Depression among Primary Caregivers of Male versus Female Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract:

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that impacts movement, posture, and muscle tone due to brain damage in fetal development, infancy, or early childhood.

Objective: To compare anxiety and depression among primary caregivers of male versus female children with cerebral palsy.

Methodology: This cross-sectional comparative study was carried out between February 2020 and March 2021 with the caregivers of CP-inflicted children admitted at a rehabilitation center in Karachi, Pakistan. Among 46 approached caregivers, only 30 (75%) voluntarily participated in the study. Group 1 encompassed caregivers of male CP-inflicted patients (n=19) and group 2 encompassed caregivers of female CP-inflicted patients (n=11). Data on physical characteristics and additional impairments accompanying CP was gathered whereas face-to-face meetings were arranged with primary caregivers to gather data for sociodemographic questionnaire and Hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS).

Results: No significant differences were observed in the two groups concerning the physical characteristics of CP cases and sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers. Compared to the caregivers of female CP children, caregivers of male CP children had significantly higher anxiety (7.09±1.64; 8.42±1.6, p=0.044), depression (5.90±1.8; 8.10±1.88, p=0.004) and total HADS scores (6.50±1.79; 8.26±1.75, p=0.006).

Conclusion: Caregivers of male CP children were more prone to anxiety and depression problems. There was no significant correlation found between the sociodemographic profile of the caregivers and the characteristics of CP with the gender of CP children.

Keywords: Anxiety; Caregivers; Cerebral Palsy; Children; Depression; Pakistan