Depression and quality of life in mothers of children with pervasive developmental disorders

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dysphoria/depressive symptoms in mothers of autistic children and to identify correlations between quality of life and socio-demographic profile. An exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, involving 20 mothers, by applying a socio-demographic profile questionnaire, the Brazilian version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the WHOQOL-Bref quality of life scale. Dysphoria/depression criteria were found in 15% of the mothers. Overall quality of life was evaluated as positive in 70%, however only 40% were satisfied with their health. The Physical domain (mean=69.4) was perceived as the best, and environment domain as the worst (mean=60.8). Quality of life had a positive association with family income and level of education, and a negative association with depression. Considering the results, further research, especially on those variables that were not statistically relevant, is suggested.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Fávero-Nunes,Maria Ângela, Santos,Manoel Antônio dos
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto / Universidade de São Paulo 2010
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0104-11692010000100006
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