Psychosocial Impact on Parents of Children with Strabismus: A Study of Demographic and Clinical Correlates

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the psychosocial challenges experienced by parents of children with strabismus and to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with these challenges.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 220 parents of children diagnosed with strabismus. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the children were collected and analyzed. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety/Depression Scale (SAS/SDS) were administered to assess parental anxiety and depression levels.

Results

Significant differences in anxiety and depression levels were observed between the HADS and SAS/SDS assessments. Specifically, the prevalence of anxiety was higher using HADS-A compared to SAS (21.82% vs. 12.73%, P = 0.012), while depression rates were higher using SDS compared to HADS-D (31.82% vs. 16.82%, P < 0.001). HADS-D scores were significantly associated with the severity of strabismus, parental education level, and family residence, whereas SDS scores only correlated with parental education. No significant associations were found between HADS-A/SAS scores and patient characteristics. Additionally, the HADS assessment required significantly less time to complete than the SAS/SDS (2.54 ± 1.45 minutes vs. 7.25 ± 4.13 minutes, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Identifying psychosocial distress among parents of children with strabismus is crucial for comprehensive care. The HADS emerges as a more efficient and effective tool for assessing emotional well-being compared to the SAS/SDS, highlighting its potential utility in clinical and research settings.

Highlights