DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND STRESS IN PARENTS OF CHILDREN VISITING THE PSYCHIATRIC CLINIC: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT

Abstract

Introduction

Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that affect millions worldwide. Anxiety is characterized by worry and fear, while depression involves persistent sadness and loss of interest. Both conditions can significantly impact daily life and relationships. Recognized by the WHO as significant contributors to the global disease burden, they affect people of all demographics and can lead to serious consequences if untreated. Globally, around 3.6% of people have anxiety disorders, and 4.4% have depression. It has been reported that parents of children with psychiatric disorders also suffer from mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Therefore, our study aimed to measure the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among parents of children who visit the psychiatric clinic in the Jazan region.

Methodology

This is a cross-sectional observational study using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 and the Medical Outcome Study Social Support Survey questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, and stress in 440 parents whose children visited psychiatric clinics in Jazan. Data was collected through interviews and analyzed using IBM (Armonk, NY) Statistical Package for Social Sciences, v. 29.0.0.

Results

Our study included 449 parents, the majority from 36-45 years old (N = 175, 39.0%), predominantly female (N = 252, 56.1%). Most participants had a bachelor’s degree (N = 134, 29.8%) and lived in their own homes (N = 239, 54.3%). Depression (mean = 6.15), anxiety (mean = 7.21), and stress (mean = 5.98) were prevalent, with 52.3% experiencing severe depression, 58.6% severe anxiety, and 55.2% severe stress. Social support significantly reduced depression (r = -.292, p = .000), anxiety (r = -.229, p = .000), and stress (r = -.307, p = .000). Illiterate parents had higher depression (mean = 7.87, p = 0.019), anxiety (mean = 9.27, p = 0.035), and stress (mean = 8.80, p = 0.002) scores. Divorced/separated parents reported significantly higher mental health issues (p < 0.001). Living situations also influenced depression (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of our study conclude that depression, anxiety, and stress are prevalent among parents of children visiting psychiatric clinics, with significant correlations to social support, education level, marital status, and living situation. Strengthening social support networks and addressing socioeconomic factors may help reduce mental health burdens in this population.