Coping self-efficacy and parenting stress in mothers of children with congenital heart disease

Background: Mothers of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) experience high parenting stress that affects both mothers and children. Objectives: The purpose was to examine the relationship between coping self-efficacy and parenting stress in mothers of children with CHD and to identify the factors related to parenting stress. Methods: Data were collected using a self-reporting questionnaire from 100 mothers whose children, aged 0 to 12, had been diagnosed with CHD. The Coping Self-Efficacy scale was used to measure coping self-efficacy, and Pediatric Inventory for Parents was used to measure the parenting stress. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors related to parenting stress. Results: Higher parenting stress was related to lower coping self-efficacy to obtain social support and having any other children. Conclusion: Interventions that consider factors related to parenting stress and to enhance coping self-efficacy is required. Effective practice could be delivered by paying more attention to mothers with less supporters and those who have other dependent children.