Mental health of mothers with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder after distance learning measures during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aims:This study aimed to evaluate the mental health of mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after distance learning measures during the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, considering factors that may influence their well-being.Methods:In a cross-sectional design, the levels of burnout, depression, anxiety, stress, coping strategies, social support, and perceived changes in mental health among the mothers were assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Scale, and Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale. Furthermore, the mothers completed the Atilla Turgay Scale (T-DSM-IV-S) to evaluate their perceptions of their children’s ADHD and behavioral problems.Results:Of the 72 mothers (mean age: 42.46±6.73 years, mean children age: 11.39±3.12 years), 50%, 44.4%, and 43.1% had depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress, respectively. According to the GRC, most mothers (67%) reported deterioration in mental well-being compared with the pre-pandemic period. The strongest correlations were between the subscales of T-DSM-IV-S and the total MBI score (r=0.51, p<0.001), DASS-21 score (r=0.35, p=0.003), and GRC score (r=-0.40, p=0.004), particularly with the inattention subscale. Child’s attention deficit score, maternal education level, maladaptive coping level, and frequency of outdoor activities were identified as predictors of GRC.Conclusions:This study showed that the distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with deteriorated mental health among mothers of children with ADHD. The mother’s maladaptive coping strategies, frequency of outdoor activities, education level, and attention deficit level were identified as independent predictors of deteriorated mental health in mothers.