Socioeconomic factors and post-traumatic stress disorder in Polish caregivers of children with rare genetic conditions

This study examined post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity in caregivers of children with rare genetic conditions, focusing on the role of socioeconomic variables: education, family income, marital status, residence, and religious practice. One hundred parents were recruited: 50 of children with rare diseases and 50 of healthy children. The rare disease group was recruited via a patient association and Facebook groups; the control group through parenting forums and social media. A purposive and convenience sampling strategy was applied. All participants completed the PTSD Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition DSM-5 (PCL-5) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent samples <i>t</i>-tests and two-way ANOVAs. No significant difference in overall PTSD severity emerged between groups. However, caregivers with higher education showed greater PTSD severity when caring for a child with a rare disease. Other socioeconomic factors were not significant. Tailored mental health support is recommended.