Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Parents of Hospitalized Children in 14 Countries.

Cohort studyChildren (Basel, Switzerland)· Jul 2025

Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Parents of Hospitalized Children in 14 Countries.

Linda S Franck, Renée Mehra, Christine R Hodgson … Thomas J Hoffmann

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Pediatric Hospital MedicineCohort studyQ1IF 2.8

Anxiety symptoms affected most parents of hospitalized children across 14 countries.

Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Parents of Hospitalized Children in 14 Countries.

Linda S Franck … Thomas J Hoffmann

Children (Basel, Switzerland) · Jul 2025 · Q1 in Pediatrics

Background

Despite the importance of parent mental health for child health, there are no global prevalence data on parental mental health symptoms when children are hospitalized.

Purpose

We aimed to describe depression and anxiety symptom prevalence and associated factors among parents of hospitalized children.

Methods

We conducted this 14-country prospective cohort survey with parents/primary caregivers staying at a nearby Ronald McDonald House ® during their child's hospital treatment.

n = 3350 participants

Results

Nearly 7 in 10 parents reported clinically concerning anxiety symptoms.

49.7%

Depression symptoms

69%

Anxiety symptoms

More results

Worry about housing and poorer ratings of their child's health were associated with increased risk of depression symptoms.

Poorer rating of the child's health, living with a partner, and discrimination in daily life were associated with increased risk of anxiety symptoms.

More results

Higher levels of self-care, hospital family-centered care, and social support were associated with reduced risk of depression symptoms.

Higher levels of self-care and social support were associated with reduced risk of anxiety symptoms.

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Conclusion · 1 of 2

Clinically significant or concerning depression and anxiety symptoms are common among parents of hospitalized children globally.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Hospitals should consider offering routine mental health symptom screening and preventative mental health and support services to all parents.

Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Parents of Hospitalized Children in 14 Countries.

Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms Among Parents of Hospitalized Children in 14 Countries.

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