Analysis of gender specific factors influencing depression among parents of children with disabilities

Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors influencing depression in parents of children with disabilities, specifically examining sociodemographic characteristics, subjective health status, and sense of coherence. Special attention was paid to gender specific impacts of influencing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 411 parents of children with disabilities was conducted using an online questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to elucidate relationships between depressive symptoms and predictors including gender, age, monthly average household income, subjective health status, and sense of coherence. Results: Across the entire cohort and among women, the risk of depressive symptoms decreased with increasing age. In contrast with previous study results, the risk of depressive symptoms among men increased with increasing household income. The interaction term between gender (men) and income notably influenced depressive symptoms. Regardless of gender, better subjective health status and higher levels of sense of coherence significantly reduced depressive symptom risk. Conclusion: Depression among parents of children with disabilities is influenced by gender, age, income, subjective health status, and sense of coherence. These results highlight a need for comprehensive support strategies extending beyond women and low-income parents to provide customized interventions for all parents regardless of gender or socioeconomic background.