Depression, anxiety, stress and associated factors among parents of children with congenital heart defect at governmental hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2024. A cross sectional study.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Depression, anxiety and stress accounted to the majority of health related burden globally. There are a number of factors that contribute to the high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress; of which being a parent who has a child with congenital heart disease may experience extreme stress due to the intense emotions they face as well as additional practical, physical and financial challenges. Objectives: To assess depression, anxiety stress and associated factors among parents of children with congenital heart disease at government hospitals Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2024. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed to assess level of depression, anxiety, stress and associated factors among 422 parents of children with CHD from May10/2024 to June 10/ 2024 of at selected governmental Hospitals The sample population was obtained using a single population proportion formula with a 10 % contingency of non respondent’s rate, and the sample was proportionally allocated for each study hospital. Data using Kobotool box and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science version 26 software to be analyzed. Frequencies and proportions of variable of were described by tables and graphs, and pie chart. Association between each dependent and independent variable was assessed by using binary logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression. Result: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress in the study was found to be approximately 38.4%, 36% and 32.4% respectively. Parent’s rural area residency (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.033 - 2.432) lack of sleep (AOR = 1.691, 95% CI: 1.080 -2.646 ) and parental worries about severity of child’s congenital heart disease (AOR = 1.800 , 95% CI: 1.139 - 2.843) were associated with depression. Lack of finance (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI =1.039- 2.589), child’s heart surgery (AOR= 1.77, 95% CI=1.051-2.979), continuity of the child’s medical treatment (AOR= 0.597, 95% CI= 0.372- 0.958) and sex of child (AOR=0.648, 95% CI=0.146-0.94) were significantly associated with anxiety. Malenss (fathers), (AOR= 1.766, 95%CI= 1.126- 2.771) and poor social support (AOR =2.021, 95% CI =1.289-3.168) were associated with stress. Conclusion: A significant rates of depression, anxiety and stress among parents of children with congenital heart disease were observed. In order to lower the risk of depression, anxiety and stress as well as to lessen the burden of disease, preventive measures such as early intervention and mental health screening, psycho-social support financial support should be implemented. Key Words: Congenital Heart Disease, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, social support, parent.