Measuring Depression and Quality of Life in Parents of Chronically Ill Children

Over 14.6 million children have chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional deficits (Ghandour et al., 2022). Parents of children with chronic diseases are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional deficits (Casaña-Granell et al., 2018; Gannoni & Shute, 2010; Pinquart, 2019). The purpose of this exploratory, descriptive-correlational study was to describe depression and quality of life (QoL) in parents caring for a child with chronic illness. A convenience sample of 32 participants was recruited from a non-profit organization in the Pacific Northwest. The 61-item questionnaire consisted of demographic questions (14 items), the Beck's Depression Inventory (21 items), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief (26 items). demo graphic questionnaire, plus the WHO Quality of Life Scale - Brief and Beck's Depression Inventory. Results revealed that 62% of participants experienced some level of clinical depression, with 25% experiencing extreme (12.5%) and severe (12.5%) depression. A moderate negative correlation was found between depression and QoL. Family size was positively correlated with the level of depression. Understanding demographic risk factors may assist nurses in providing more holistic care, including depression screening for this population. Nurses can provide opportunities for education on available resources and support by screening parents at routine visits.