Psychosocial status and the moderation effect of social support on the relationship between quality of Life and psychological burden among mothers of children with hearing loss

Background : Hearing loss represents one significant problem affecting children and their mothers, who are the main caregivers. Therefore, the mental and psychosocial well-being of mothers of children with hearing loss does affect their willingness to meet the healthcare needs of their children. The purposes of this study are to: 1) assess the levels of burden, perceived social support, willingness to seek professional psychological counseling, and quality of life of mothers of children with hearing loss, and 2) to assess the moderation effect of social support on the relationship between quality of life and psychological burden among mothers of children with hearing loss. Methods : A cross-sectional descriptive-exploratory design was used to recruit a sample of 168 mothers of children with hearing loss. Data collected regarding quality of life, psychological burden, perceived social support, and willingness to seek psychological counselling. Results : The analysis showed that mothers are suffering moderate to high levels of psychological burden, moderate levels of quality of life, perceived social support, and a moderate level of willingness to seek psychological counselling. Perceived social support was found to minimally buffer the relationship between psychological burden and quality of life (F2, 166 = 3.8, p = .025; R2 = .044), although quality of life was associated significantly and negatively with psychological burden (r= -.18, p= .025). Conclusion : There is a need to enhance and integrate mental health and psychosocial support services for mothers of children with hearing loss. Keywords: Hearing Loss; Children, Mothers; Psychological Burden; Social Support, Quality of Life; Seeking Psychological Counseling.