The Quality of Life in Mothers of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Comparative Study in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background & Aim: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental health disorder among young children that affects the mothers’ lifestyles The aim of the present study was to consider the quality of life in Iranian mothers with ADHD children. Objective: In this comparative study, we compared the quality of life between mothers of ADHD children and mothers of normal children. Methods: In this descriptive study (2018-2019), a total of 75 mothers with ADHD children and 75 mothers with normal children, who were referred to referral educational hospital (Rasoul Hospital; Tehran, Iran) were evaluated. ADHD criteria were assessed by means of the SNAP-IV questionnaire, while the quality of life was evaluated by the SF-36 questionnaire. All data were analyzed by SPSS software. The environmental, mental, social physical, health and quality of life were compared between 2 groups. Results: The economic situation of mothers with normal children was average (73.3%) to good (16%), while in mothers with ADHD children the economic situation was average (45.3%) to poor (37.3%). Mothers’ employment in normal children group was 41.3%, but it was 14.6% in mothers with ADHD children. A significant difference was reported between two groups in the mean of environmental health score (p<0.05), social relationships (p<0.05), mental health (p<0.05), physical health (p<0.01) and quality of life (p<0.01). The mean score of environmental health, social relationships, mental health, physical health and quality of life in ADHD mothers was significantly lower than mothers with normal children. Conclusion: The difficulties in the management of ADHD children negatively affect the quality of mothers’ lifestyles. Therefore, preventive, educational and therapeutic interventions are recommended to improve the mental health and the quality of life of mothers.