Psychological Burden and Associated Factors in Parents Caring for Children with Myelomeningocele

Objective: This study aimed to assess the psychological impact experienced by parents caring for children with myelomeningocele and to explore the associations between caregiver burden, perceived social support, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 107 parents who were the primary caregivers of children with myelomeningocele. Of the children, 52 (48.6%) were boys and 55 (51.4%) were girls, with a mean age of 9.1 years. All patients had hydrocephalus treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunting, lower extremity paralysis, and urinary and/or fecal incontinence. The minimum follow-up period was five years. Caregiver burden, perceived social support, and psychological status were assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Group comparisons were performed using the independent samples t-test, and associations were analyzed with multiple linear regression models.Results: Female caregivers demonstrated significantly greater caregiver burden and higher anxiety scores than male caregivers (p < 0.05). Increasing caregiver burden was independently associated with higher anxiety, depression, and stress scores (p < 0.05). Perceived social support was inversely associated with stress (p < 0.05) but not with anxiety, depression, or caregiver burden (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Among parents of children with myelomeningocele, caregiver burden was strongly associated with anxiety, depression, and stress, whereas perceived social support was associated with lower stress levels. These findings highlight the importance of addressing caregivers' mental well-being alongside the physical and neurological management of affected children and support psychosocial interventions during long-term follow-up.