Time demands of caring for children with cerebral palsy: what are the implications for maternal mental health?

AIM: To examine the relationship between maternal mental health problems and the time required by mothers to care for children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: Cross-sectional study of 158 mothers of children with cerebral palsy (98 males, 60 females; mean age 11y 3mo, range 6-17y). Gross Motor Function Classification System levels of the children were 37% level I, 20% level II, 9% level III, 12% level IV, and 22% level V. Manual Ability Classification System levels were 19% level I, 27% level II, 22% level III, 13% level IV, and 19% level V. Maternal mental health problems were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. A time-diary was used to measure caregiving time. Experience of time pressure was assessed using the Time Crunch Scale. RESULTS: On average, mothers spent 6.0 hours per 24 hours on weekdays and 8.3 hours per 24 hours on weekends caring for children with CP. There was a significant positive relationship between maternal psychological problems and both caregiving time required per 24 hours (p = 0.03) and mothers' experience of time pressure (p < 0.001). There was also a significant positive association between maternal depressive symptoms and experience of time pressure (p = 0.003). INTERPRETATION: It is important to support mothers to find ways of reducing the real and perceived impact of caregiving. This might include identifying sources of 'respite' support for caregivers, training in stress and time management, and appropriate treatment of mental health problems.

Time demands of caring for children with autism: what are the implications for maternal mental health?

This study examined the relationship between maternal mental health problems and both caregiving time and experience of time pressure for 216 mothers of children with autism. Data describing caregiving time was obtained using 24-h time-diaries. Standard questionnaires were used to assess time pressure, social support, children's emotional and behavioural problems, and maternal mental health problems. After adjusting for the effect of children's age, maternal social support, and children's behaviour problems, time pressure but not hours of caregiving, had a significant positive relationship with maternal mental health problems. Findings suggest that the quality of home-based care for children with autism may be adversely affected if time pressure experienced by caregivers compromises their mental health and well being.