Publication:

A study to assess the degree of depression among parents of mentally challenged children

Background Raising a mentally challenged child is a challenging and exhausting task. Families can easily become overwhelmed by the process of finding and funding appropriate services. They are faced with the stress of continually witnessing their loved one's struggles to complete everyday tasks, social interactions and education. They must live with the knowledge that there is no end to these struggles.

Methods The study was descriptive study to assess the degree of depression. 200 parents of mentally challenged children in different special educational institutions of Jammu and Kashmir were chosen by convenient sampling method and data was collected with the help of questionnaire (modified becks depression inventory II).

Results Findings of the study revealed that majority 9 (4.5%) were normal ,63(31.5%) had mild depression, 92 (46%) parents had moderate depression and 36 (18%) of parents had severe depression. Significant association was found between relationship with child (p<0.005), religion (p<0.001), education (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.00), monthly family income (p<0.000) and the degree of depression among parents of mentally challenged children.

Conclusions This study revealed that majority of the parents of mentally challenged children were having moderate depression.