An evaluation of depression levels in asthmatic children and their mothers during the course of the disease

Abstract

Objective: Asthma, which has gradually increased in children in recent years, imposes limitations on their development from various perspectives. This study was planned to investigate whether asthma, a chronic illness, causes depression in children and their mothers, and to provide psychological support if necessary.

Material and Methods: Two hundred and fifty asthmatic children randomly selected from children diagnosed with asthma, aged between 6 and 14 years, and under follow-up for at least 6 months, together with their mothers, were included in the study. One hundred and twenty-five volunteer children from the same age group admitted to the general pediatric clinic, and their mothers, were included in the control group. The Children’s Depression Inventory was applied to the children under the guidance of a specialist psychologist, and the Beck Depression Inventory was administered to the mothers, and the data were then collected.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the asthmatic children and control group in terms of mean depression scale test for children scores (p=0.01). When asthmatic children were evaluated among themselves, a significant relationship was found between severity of asthma and frequency of depression. A significant relationship was found between length of disease and frequency of depression in asthmatic patients (p=0.01). Depression scores were higher in patients diagnosed with asthma and under follow-up for 4 years or more than the 3–4 years follow-up group. The frequency of depression was higher in the mothers of patients than in the control group mothers (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Every clinician involved in the treatment of asthma should be aware of the important role that psychological and social factors can play in children and their mothers. Psychological support should be provided for children and their mothers during the treatment of the disease.