Psychosocial Impact on Parents of Children with Strabismus: A Study of Demographic and Clinical Correlates

PurposeThis study aimed to explore the psychosocial challenges experienced by parents of children with strabismus and to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with these challenges. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 220 parents of children diagnosed with strabismus. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the children were collected and analyzed. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety/Depression Scale (SAS/SDS) were administered to assess parental anxiety and depression levels. ResultsSignificant differences in anxiety and depression levels were observed between the HADS and SAS/SDS assessments. Specifically, the prevalence of anxiety was higher using HADS-A compared to SAS (21.82% vs. 12.73%, P = 0.012), while depression rates were higher using SDS compared to HADS-D (31.82% vs. 16.82%, P < 0.001). HADS-D scores were significantly associated with the severity of strabismus, parental education level, and family residence, whereas SDS scores only correlated with parental education. No significant associations were found between HADS-A/SAS scores and patient characteristics. Additionally, the HADS assessment required significantly less time to complete than the SAS/SDS (2.54 {+/-} 1.45 minutes vs. 7.25 {+/-} 4.13 minutes, P < 0.001). ConclusionIdentifying psychosocial distress among parents of children with strabismus is crucial for comprehensive care. The HADS emerges as a more efficient and effective tool for assessing emotional well-being compared to the SAS/SDS, highlighting its potential utility in clinical and research settings. Highlights- Study examines psychological issues in parents of children with strabismus. - HADS and SAS/SDS used to assess anxiety and depression in 220 parents. - HADS-A vs. SAS and HADS-D vs. SDS show significant difference in detection rates. - HADS-D score correlates with strabismus severity, parental education, and residence. - HADS is more time-efficient than SAS/SDS, making it suitable for clinical settings.