Parental stress and its correlates among parents of children with physical disabilities: examining the association with perceived social support

Parenting a child with a disability can be overwhelming, can increase family conflicts, and reduce quality of life. Limited resources and support intensify these challenges. We aimed to assess the extent of parental stress, social support, and their correlates among parents of children with physical disabilities (PDs) in Nepal. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 280 parents at the Hospital and Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children (HRDC) in Nepal. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using the parental stress scale (PSS) and the multidimensional scale for perceived social support (MSPSS). The results revealed a negative correlation between parental stress and social support. Fathers, high-income families (>25000 NPR), or those having children with musculoskeletal disabilities, experienced less parental stress. Parents with a primary education faced high parental stress. Parents in nuclear families or with primary education were less likely to perceive high social support. Fathers, those with higher income or education, or those caring for children with musculoskeletal disabilities, suffered less parental stress. With the increased perception of social support, the parental stress decreased. Support systems should be expanded and strengthened, targeting mothers, nuclear families, and parents with low education and income. The majority of parents of children with physical disabilities in Nepal suffer moderate levels of parental stress.Rehabilitation programs should incorporate stress management interventions such as parent counseling, relaxation exercises, workshops, and support networks.It is recommended to conduct workshops and establish parent-support groups, providing opportunities to access resources, connections, and shared experiences.Parent-centered support interventions should be integrated with the treatment and rehabilitation of children with physical disabilities. The majority of parents of children with physical disabilities in Nepal suffer moderate levels of parental stress. Rehabilitation programs should incorporate stress management interventions such as parent counseling, relaxation exercises, workshops, and support networks. It is recommended to conduct workshops and establish parent-support groups, providing opportunities to access resources, connections, and shared experiences. Parent-centered support interventions should be integrated with the treatment and rehabilitation of children with physical disabilities.