Ethics code: IR.USWR.REC.1396.308
sadeghi S, mirzaei H, Fatorehchy S, Ghayomi Z, sadeghi B. The Effect of Family-Centered Early Intervention on Psychological Symptoms and Quality of Life in Mothers of Children with Down Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical. jrehab 2025; 26 (3)
URL:
http://rehabilitationj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-3552-en.html
1- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences and Social Health, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Occupational therapy,Faculty of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
3- Department of Social medicine,Faculty of Isfahan university of medical sciences, Isfahan, Iran. , drbhs59176@gmail.com
Abstract: (48 Views)
Objectives: Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosome abnormality among liveborn infants leading to intellectual and physical disabilities in children and impacting the quality of life and mental health of parents. Therefore, rehabilitation and educational interventions are crucial for effectively supporting children and their families. Timely, family-centered educational interventions have shown significant effects in many cases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of timely, family-centered educational interventions on the quality of life and mental health of mothers of children with Down syndrome. This study investigates the effects of individual training and telephone follow-up on various indicators of mental health and quality of life in mothers.
Method and Materials: In this single-blind clinical trial, 70 mothers of children with Down syndrome attending the Down Syndrome Association were selected using an available sampling method and randomly assigned to two groups (intervention and control) using simple block randomization. Initially, they completed the questionnaires. Subsequently, for mothers in the control group, a psychological workshop was conducted according to the usual program, and in the intervention group, timely intervention techniques were taught theoretically and practically. An educational booklet and an exercise checklist were provided to the mothers, and appropriate exercises for each child were taught individually in 4 one-hour sessions over 4 weeks. After the initial training, all mothers received weekly telephone follow-up for 3 months. At the end of the research, the initial questionnaires were completed again, and the data was analyzed in the SPSS (SPSS21) statistical software using the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests.
Results: Physical health did not change significantly in the intervention group (p=0.095). Mental health improved (p=0.002). Social health significantly changed (p=0.00), and environmental health also improved (p=0.00). The overall quality of life score also improved in the intervention group (p=0.001). In terms of mental health, depression decreased in the intervention group (p=0.00). Anxiety and stress also decreased (p=0.00).
Conclusion: The results of this study show that family-centered timely education with 4 sessions of individual training and 3 months of follow-up can probably be used to improve quality of life indicators and mental health in mothers of children with Down syndrome. However, to improve physical and social quality of life, continuation of the intervention time or intervention with other methods is necessary.
Type of Study:
Original |
Subject:
Occupational Therapy Received: 1/10/2024 | Accepted: 24/05/2025 | Published: 23/09/2025