Can Parents Improve the Quality of Life of Their Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mothers’ Group psychoeducation on Quality of Life (QoL) of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Method: In this clinical trial, 60 mothers of ADHD children were randomly divided into two groups (30 participants in each group). An educational program based on Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) was performed for the intervention group, while only pharmacotherapy was provided for the control group. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds QL) was completed by all 60 mothers before, eight week, and three months after intervention. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, and K-square or paired t test were used for data analysis.

Results: A total of 60 mothers participated in this study. Of their children, 80% were boys and 20% were girls. The mean of the total score of QoL increased significantly in the intervention group at week eight and three months after the intervention. Also, the mean scores of emotional, social, school and psychosocial domains, but not physical domain of QoL, found to be higher in ADHD children after intervention (p< 0.05).

The total score of QoL and mean scores of domains increased in the posttest in the control group, but it was not significant (p> 0.05).

Conclusion: A significant increase in the total score of QoL was reported by mothers in the posttest compared to the pretest in the experimental group, which showed that educating parents can improve the QoL of their ADHD children.