Factors associated with stress in parents of children with congenital anomalies

Objective: To assess the stress levels and associated factors in parents of children with congenital anomalies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with parents of children aged 1 month to 12 years with congenital anomalies who visited Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital between April 2023 and March 2024. Parents who were unable to read or write in Thai were excluded. Stress levels were measured using the Thai version of the Parenting Stress Index - Fourth Edition - Short Form (PSI-4-SF). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and odds ratios. Results: Thirty parents were included in the study. Among them, 6.7% reported high stress levels, and 23.3% reported significant stress levels. Higher PSI-4-SF scores were more common among parents with lower education, those living without a partner, those unemployed, and those lacking support, as well as parents of older children, those diagnosed after birth, and those with longer hospital stays. However, no statistically significant risk factors were identified. Conclusion: Parents of children with anomalies experience higher stress levels compared to parents of unaffected children. Early identification and intervention targeting modifiable factors, particularly within the first year of the child’s life, may help alleviate stress and improve outcomes for parents and families.