Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Parents of Disabled Children

Parents were reported to experience complex feelings with the birth of a disabled or special child. Parents feel upset about the society's attitude towards their children which add their stress level. Aim of the study was to find the level of depression, anxiety and stress among parents with disabled child. Study also aimed to find the relationship between depression, anxiety and stress level among parents with disabled child. A cross sectional survey was conducted. Thirty parents (25 mothers and 5 fathers) with disabled child were participated in the study. The children were in the age range of 7 to 12 years with diagnosis of autism, intellectual disability, and cerebral palsy. Parents were selected randomly from a special school in Sbah, Malaysia where their children were studying. Socio-demographic data sheet and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaire were administered individually. Data was analysed by using SPSS16.0. The result showed that the depression, anxiety and stress level of parents with disabled child are low. The result also showed that there was a positive relationship between the level of depression, anxiety and stress among parents with disabled child. Low level of anxiety, depression and stress were noticed among the parents.