Preliminary evaluation of maternal caregiver stress in pediatric eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders

Tiffany H. Taft*, Sarah Ballou, Laurie Keefer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

ObjectiveTo characterize caregiver stress (CS) in parents of children with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs) and understand relationships with psychological functioning and child behavior. MethodsCaregivers with a child (0-17 years) with EGID completed questionnaires for demographics, EGID severity, treatments, CS, psychological distress, self-efficacy, and child behaviors.ResultsA total of 163 caregivers (98 mother, 94 Caucasian) participated. CS correlated with psychological distress, income, child behavioral problems, treatments, and disease severity. Children were rated higher than age-specific norms for emotional difficulties. Behavioral difficulties associated with gender, age, EGID severity, and duration. Parent psychological distress was most strongly associated with CS. Parental self-efficacy, dietary treatments, and child emotional difficulties were also related to stress.ConclusionsMothers reported stress and psychological distress from caring for a child with EGID. The relationship between these variables suggests these parents may benefit from supportive psychotherapy interventions. Evaluation of parental self-efficacy and child behavior is also warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)523-532
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of pediatric psychology
Volume37
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2012

Funding

This study was funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, USA (NIDDK U01 DK0077738 to Laurie Keefer).

Keywords

  • child behavior
  • eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders
  • parental caregiver stress
  • psychological functioning

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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