A pilot study evaluating depression in mothers with children diagnosed with Down syndrome in state health care

Parenting a child who has an intellectual disability has been shown to increase the risk for developing depression. The purpose of this study was to screen for depression and to determine if there is an association between depressive symptoms and certain sociodemographic factors in mothers with a child diagnosed with Down syndrome in state health care facilities in Johannesburg.

The study included 30 biological mothers of children between 6 months and 3 years diagnosed with Down syndrome postnatally. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess depression in participants. A 10-item sociodemographic questionnaire was concurrently administered. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.

The 30 mothers had a mean EPDS score of 9.1 (SD = 5.89) with scores ranging between 0 and 26. Eight mothers (26.7%) screened positive for depression with an EPDS score of 13 or greater. A statistically significant association was found between an HIV-positive status and mothers who had an EPDS score of 13 or greater (P = 0.01). No significant association between depression and various other sociodemographic factors was identified.

Mothers with a child diagnosed with Down syndrome may be vulnerable to developing depression. A significant association was found between a positive HIV status and symptoms of depression, in mothers with a child diagnosed with Down syndrome. This study indicates the need for further investigations assessing the causes and risk factors resulting in postnatal depression in mothers with a child diagnosed with Down syndrome.