Living with a child with familial Mediterranean fever: Does it affect the quality of life of the parents?

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the quality of life (Q OL) and the psychological status of parents of children with familial Medit erranean fever (FMF). Methods The QOL, anxiety and depression of the parents of 35 children with FMF were evaluated and compared to the parents of 23 healthy children. Results Mothers of FMF children had lo,ver QOL scores than mothers of healt hy children: 5.5 +/- 1.1 versus 6.0 +/- 0.6 (p = 0.048). They also expresse d higher levels of anxiety and depression. Within each group, mothers were more anxious and depressed than fathers. Parents with several FMF children were not significantly different from parents with only one FMF child. Conclusion The QOL and psychological well being of parents with FMF childre n were found to be slightly impaired, especially that of the mothers.