Comparsion of the Depressive Symptoms and Physical Performance in Mothers of Disabled and Non-disabled Children

The aim of this study was to investigate the depressive symptoms and physical performance in mothers of disabled and non-disabled children. The study and control population consisted of 40 mothers (study group: n=20, mean age 38.35 ± 6.76 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) 27.72 ± 3.97-control group: n=20, mean age 38.70 ± 7.64 years, and mean body mass index 25.95 ± 4.25). Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Physical performance was evaluated with the use of the Fifty-Foot Walk (FWS), the Sit to Stand (STS) and the Bend Forward Test (BFT). Mean Beck depression score was significantly higher among cases than controls (p<0.001) and mean scores of three parameters of physical performance tests were also significantly higher among cases than controls. (p<0.001). The results showed that the mothers of disabled children have lower physical performance and higher depressive symptoms than mothers of non-disabled children.