Caregivers' depressive symptoms and parent-report of child executive function among young children in Uganda
Familiar, I.; Nakasujja, N.; Bass, J.; Sikorskii, A.; Murray, S.; Ruisenor-Escudero, H.; Bangirana, P.; Opoka, R.; Boivin, M.J.
Learning and Individual Differences 46: 17-24
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 1041-6080 PMID: 27175052 DOI: 10.1016/j.lindif.2015.01.012Document Number: 210050
Maternal mental health (particularly depression) may influence how they report on their child's behavior. Few research studies have focused on Sub-Saharan countries where pediatric HIV concentrates and impacts child neuropsychological development and caregiver mental health. We investigated the associations between caregivers' depressive symptoms and neuropsychological outcomes in HIV-infected (n=118) and HIV-exposed (n=164) Ugandan children aged 2-5 years. We compared performance-based tests of development (Mullen Scales of Early Learning, Color Object Association Test), to a caregiver report of executive function (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, BRIEF). Caregivers were assessed with Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 depression subscale. The associations between all BRIEF indices and caregiver's depression symptoms were differential according to child's HIV status. Caregivers with greater depressive symptoms reported their HIV-infected children as having more behavioral problems related to executive functioning. Assessment of behavior of HIV-infected children should incorporate a variety of sources of information and screening of caregiver mental health.
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