K. Aldawood et A. Albar, PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT ON PARENTS OF MENTALLY-RETARDED CHILDREN IN EASTERN SAUDI-ARABIA, Saudi medical journal, 16(5), 1995, pp. 418-420
Background: The impact of mental retardation (MR) is felt by the affec
ted individual and his parents. There are conflicting reports in the l
iterature, but no studies from Saudi Arabia. Objectives: To evaluate t
he physical, mental, social, marital and financial impact of boys' men
tal retardation on their parents. Methodology: This was a case-control
led study. The study group consisted of 72 boys with mild mental retar
dation, registered in the Institute of Mentally Retarded Children in D
ammam, and their parents (MR Group) and a control group of 72 matched
normal boys and their parents. They were interviewed by purpose-traine
d personnel using an objective-oriented questionnaire. Results: Betwee
n groups, mothers of the MR boys suffered higher levels of physical, m
ental 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 i
mpact was greater on mothers in the lower socioeconomic class. Conclus
ion: There was a need for better provision and integration of resource
s and services directed towards MR children and their families in East
ern Saudi Arabia.