Abstract:

Parenting challenges can significantly impact mental health and quality of life. Understanding these difficulties is crucial for developing effective support strategies. This study aims to assess the difficulty parents face in raising their children and determine whether fathers or mothers are more adversely affected by child-rearing responsibilities. This cross-sectional study was conducted among parents visiting the pediatric department of ESIC Medical College and Hospital, K. K. Nagar, Chennai. The study investigated the daily parenting challenges among 247 participants, including 129 mothers and 118 fathers. The study's purpose was explained to the participants, who were then provided with the Parental Daily Hassle and SF-12 Quality of Life questionnaires. Participants were given 10 minutes to complete the forms. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20.0). It was observed that mothers faced more difficulties than fathers, although the difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.089). The survey also indicated that mothers managed daily inconveniences more effectively and had a better quality of life compared to fathers (p= 0.0692). Parents of children under four reported experiencing more challenges and difficulties in handling daily tasks. Parenting challenges are correlated with mental health issues, particularly for parents of young children. The findings of the study, thus, underscore the need for targeted strategies to manage parental stress, including mental health support and parenting education programs, to improve family well-being.

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