Evaluation of Depression and Anxiety Levels of Parents of Children with Spina Bifida

Studies in the literature have measured the anxiety and depression levels of parents of children with spina bifida. Additionally, it has been reported that parents of children with non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction, such as nocturnal enuresis and overactive bladder, have increased levels of anxiety and depression. In this study, the investigators aim to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of urinary system symptoms and findings in children with spina bifida on the anxiety and depression levels of their parents.

Between January 2024 and December 2024, the demographic data of patients with spina bifida under follow-up, as well as the results of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) static renal scintigraphy, urinary ultrasonography (USG), and voiding cystourethrography (VCUG), which indicate upper urinary tract (UUT) damage, were recorded. Symptom scoring was performed on the primary caregiver of the child, and anxiety and depression scores were calculated. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to assess these symptoms in the parents. The presence of renal scarring, hydronephrosis, or vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in the DMSA was considered as UUT damage. Patients were divided into subgroups based on demographic data, UUT damage, history of febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs), incontinence, and the presence of motor deficits. These groups were then compared in terms of anxiety and depression scores.