Caregiver Burden and Mental Health Challenges in Parents of Children with Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the level of burden and depression experienced by primary caregivers of children diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Methods: 110 primary caregivers of children with ROP were included in this study. Caregiver burden was measured using the Caregiver Burden Questionnaire (CBQ), focusing on three dimensions: socioeconomic, emotional, and psychological. Depression levels among caregivers were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which categorizes depressive symptoms from mild to severe.Results: The children had an average age of 8.5 ± 3.2 months, all of whom were male. The caregivers had a mean age of 30.5 ± 6.8 years, with the majority being female (106 out of 110). Findings indicated that 78 (71%) of caregivers experienced a moderate overall burden, while 6 (5%) faced a severe burden. Additionally, 24 (22%) of participants exhibited moderate depression, and 12 (11%) showed severe or very severe depressive symptoms.Conclusions: Primary caregivers of children with ROP bear considerable emotional and psychological strain, with approximately one-third experiencing moderate to severe depression. This highlights the need for targeted support and mental health resources for these caregivers.