Parenting stress in mothers of children with congenital hand or foot differences and its effect on the surgical decision-making for their children

Background: The main purposes of this study were to assess the levels of parenting stress in the mothers of children with congenital hand or foot differences and to evaluate the effects of this stress on the preferred roles of mothers in surgical decision-making for their children. Methods: This study included 89 mothers of children with polydactyly of the hand, polydactyly of the foot, a hypoplastic thumb, or macrodactyly. The parenting stress level was assessed using the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). Additionally, the mothers were requested to indicate their preferred and retrospectively perceived levels of involvement in surgical decision-making for their children using the Control Preferences Scale, which is comprised of five levels ranging from fully active to fully passive. Results: The average PSI-SF scores were 73.9, and 15 mothers (17%) had a clinically significant level of stress (PSI-SF >= 90). In the mothers of children with polydactyly of the foot, the PSI score was associated with the preferred role in surgical decision-making. Conclusion: The assessment of parenting stress levels in the mothers of children with congenital hand or foot differences can play an important role in the screening of candidates who require psychiatric treatment or support. An evaluation of the PSI in mothers of children with congenital hand or foot differences may aid physicians to modify their style of decision-making based on the preferred role of the mother.