The study assessed the quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels of parents of children with primary immunodeficiency. The results indicated that parents of children with primary immunodeficiency experience higher levels of depression, state anxiety, and trait anxiety, impacting their quality of life due to fatigue. Both mothers and fathers had lower energy levels compared to healthy volunteers, but mothers exhibited higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. The study highlighted that mothers' concerns about their immunodeficient children falling ill affected almost all components of their quality of life, making it the most robust and distinctive finding. Therefore, these results underscore the significant emotional and psychological burden on parents providing care for children with primary immunodeficiency in a causal relationship.
"Pediatric Allergy and Immunology" (PAI) is the publication of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and is a leading journal in the field of pediatric allergy and immunology worldwide. EAACI, established in 1956 in Florence, has become the largest medical association in Europe in allergy and clinical immunology. EAACI includes over 12,000 members from 124 countries and comprises more than 74 national societies. PAI publishes original contributions and comprehensive reviews on understanding and treating immune deficiency, allergic inflammation, and infectious diseases in children. It has an impact factor of 4.4 and is a Q1 (first) quartile journal in Pediatrics.
The study emphasizes the importance of providing support to caregivers to enhance the overall quality of life for both parents and children with immunodeficiency. Such support can reduce depression and anxiety levels among parents, improve their quality of life, and contribute to the physical and social well-being of children.
Following these results, the English Department of Child Development, in collaboration with the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Clinic at Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital, is planning a psychodrama project to enhance mothers' coping strategies with anxiety and depression.
Article link:
https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.14068
