What about dads? An exploratory analysis of depressive symptoms in paternal primary caregivers of children with epilepsy

摘要

As mothers are most often the primary caregivers for children with chronic illnesses, most research examining psychological aspects of parental caregiving for children with epilepsy has focused on the mental health status of mothers [1]. The experiences of fathers with respect to the child's epilepsy have been considered in only two studies [2,3]. Mu reported that depression scores of fathers were significantly lower than those of mothers; paternal depression was associated with the coping ability of fathers and their uncertainty with respect to the epilepsy [2], Ramaglia et al. found that shortly after diagnosis, parents of children with epilepsy reported high levels of worries and perception of vulnerability. Mothers experienced a greater burden of care and exhibited higher levels of strain than fathers, however [3]. Although these studies provide important insights into fathers' experiences with their children's epilepsy, they do not specifically describe the mental health status of a sample of fathers who are primary caregivers for their children with epilepsy. Fathers in primary caregiving roles are likely to have different experiences with their child's epilepsy compared with fathers who do not assume primary caregiver roles.