Purpose: This study investigated the association between mothers’ mental health and education and the emotional and behavioural functioning of adolescents with chronic health conditions over time.
Methods: Data were drawn from an ongoing study. Study participants (N¼363) were recruited through eight children’s rehabilitation centres. Logistic regression models were estimated.
Results: There were significantly reduced odds that girls would display clinical signs of hyperactivity/inattention one year later compared to boys when a maternal mental health condition was present (OR¼0.10; p50.01). Where low maternal education was present, girls were more likely to display peer relationship problems one year later (OR¼3.72; p50.01). For both genders, having a mother with less than a high school education was also associated with conduct problems one year later (OR¼2.89; p50.01). Conclusions: Findings support a link between maternal factors and emotional and behavioural functioning in adolescents with chronic conditions. A holistic and family-centred approach to assessment and service delivery is indicated.
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/janette-mcdougall/58/
This is an open access article originally published in Disability and Rehabilitation