COMPARISION OF THE EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN AMONG WORKING AND HOUSEHOLD WOMEN

Background: Maternal influence plays a foundational role in shaping the mental and emotional well-being of children, especially during early and middle childhood. Mothers, whether employed or homemakers, impact their children’s psychological development through daily interactions, emotional availability, and guidance. Understanding how maternal occupational status affects children's mental health has become increasingly important in public health, particularly in socio-cultural contexts where family dynamics differ based on employment status. This study explores these differences among school-aged children in Faisalabad. Objective: To assess and compare the mental health status of children aged 6–12 years born to working and non-working (household) mothers. Methods: A descriptive comparative study was conducted over four months involving 200 mothers of children aged 6 to 12 years from Faisalabad. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Sample size was calculated using standard statistical formula with a 95% confidence interval. Data were collected via structured questionnaires incorporating the DASS-21 scale to assess depression, anxiety, and stress levels in children, reported by their mothers. Children below 6 or above 12 years were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Among children of working mothers, 61% were found to have normal levels of depression, 19% mild, 19% moderate, and 1% severe. In contrast, 32% of children of household mothers had normal depression levels, 10% mild, 5% moderate, 2.5% severe, and 0.5% extremely severe. Anxiety prevalence in children of working mothers was 31% normal, 17% mild, 40% moderate, 4% severe, and 8% extremely severe. Children of household mothers showed 10.5% normal, 9.5% mild, 22% moderate, 4.5% severe, and 3.5% extremely severe anxiety. Stress levels were also higher among children of working mothers, with 76% normal, 14% mild, 8% moderate, and 2% severe stress reported, compared to 34.5% normal, 9% mild, 3% moderate, and 3% severe among household mothers’ children. Conclusion: Children of working mothers generally demonstrated stronger emotional regulation and resilience, with higher normal scores across mental health domains. However, mild to moderate stress was also more prevalent. These findings emphasize the nuanced effects of maternal employment on child mental health and the importance of balanced family support systems.