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Psychological adjustment, maternal distress, and family functioning in children with obstetrical brachial plexus
Behiye Alyanak1, Ayşe Kılınçaslan, Leman Kutlu
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) and their mothers experience higher psychological distress and behavioral problems compared to healthy peers. Early identification and support are crucial for their well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Child psychology
- Family studies
Background:
- Obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) can impact a child's development.
- Understanding the psychological and familial consequences of OBPP is essential for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate emotional and behavioral characteristics in children with OBPP.
- To assess maternal psychological distress and family functioning in OBPP cases.
- To compare these outcomes with those of healthy children.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 42 children with OBPP and 43 healthy controls (ages 4-16) participated.
- Mothers completed standardized questionnaires: Childhood Behavior Checklist, Symptom Checklist 90, and Family Assessment Device.
- Study design: Prognostic II.
Main Results:
- Children with OBPP showed significantly higher internalizing and externalizing problem scores.
- Maternal distress was elevated in the OBPP group, with minimal differences in family functioning.
- Maternal distress and OBPP diagnosis predicted 26% of children's problem scores, controlling for covariates.
Conclusions:
- Children with OBPP and their mothers face increased risks for psychological issues.
- Healthcare professionals must recognize and address the psychological needs of these children and their caregivers.
- Referral for psychological support is recommended when necessary.
Purpose:
To examine emotional and behavioral characteristics of children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy (OBPP), psychological distress of their mothers and their family functioning, and compare them with healthy peers.
Methods:
Participants included 42 children with OBPP (22 boys, 20 girls; age range, 4-16 y; mean, 7 y 0 mo; SD, 3 y 3 mo) and 43 healthy controls (24 boys, 19 girls; age range, 4-15 y; mean, 8 y 0 m; SD, 3 y 0 mo). Childhood Behavior Checklist, Symptom Checklist 90, and Family Assessment Device were filled in by the mothers.
Results:
Participants with OBPP displayed higher problem scores than the comparison children in most of the domains, including internalizing and externalizing problems. Maternal distress was higher in the OBPP group, and few differences in family functioning were noted. Maternal distress and having the diagnosis of OBPP were the strongest predictors of children's total problem scores and explained 26% of the variance when the effect of age, sex, and family functioning were controlled.
Conclusions:
Children with OBPP and their mothers are at increased risk for a variety of psychological problems. Professionals should be aware of these children's and their caregivers' psychological adjustment and refer them for further psychological support when needed.
Type Of Study/Level Of Evidence:
Prognostic II.
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