Preliminary evaluation of maternal caregiver stress in pediatric eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders.

OBJECTIVE To characterize caregiver stress (CS) in parents of children with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (EGIDs) and understand relationships with psychological functioning and child behavior. METHODS Caregivers with a child (0-17 years) with EGID completed questionnaires for demographics, EGID severity, treatments, CS, psychological distress, self-efficacy, and child behaviors. RESULTS A total of 163 caregivers (98% mother, 94% Caucasian) participated. CS correlated with psychological distress, income, child behavioral problems, treatments, and disease severity. Children were rated higher than age-specific norms for emotional difficulties. Behavioral difficulties associated with gender, age, EGID severity, and duration. Parent psychological distress was most strongly associated with CS. Parental self-efficacy, dietary treatments, and child emotional difficulties were also related to stress. CONCLUSIONS Mothers reported stress and psychological distress from caring for a child with EGID. The relationship between these variables suggests these parents may benefit from supportive psychotherapy interventions. Evaluation of parental self-efficacy and child behavior is also warranted.