Psychosocial impact on parents of mentally retarded children in Eastern Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

The impact of mental retardation [MR] is felt by the affected individual and his parents. There are conflicting reports in the literature, but no studies from Saudi Arabia. To evaluate the physical, mental, social, marital and financial impact of boys' mental retardation on their parents. Methodology: This was a case-controlled study. The study group consisted of 72 boys with mild mental retardation, registered in the Institute of Mentally Retarded Children in Dammam, and their parents [MR Group] and a control group of 72 matched normal boys and their parents. They were interviewed by purpose-trained personnel using an objective-oriented questionnaire. Between groups, mothers of the MR boys suffered higher levels of physical, mental and social stress, but marital impact was similar. About 80% of the parents in the MR group considered the financial aid received from the Institute inadequate. Within groups, the physical and financial impact was greater on mothers in the lower socioeconomic class. Conclusion: There was a need for better provision and integration of resources and services directed towards MR children and their families in Eastern Saudi Arabia