Effectiveness of Parent Training Compared with Life Skills Training on the Mental Health of Mothers of Children with Hearing Loss: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss is one of the most common sensory disorders.The consequences of hearing loss in children and its effect on the mothers of affected children on the one hand and the emphasis of previous research onthe effectiveness of educational interventions along with the lack of comparative studies on the other hand prompted us to conduct this research. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of parenting education and life skills training on the mental health of mothers with hearing-impaired children in the Covid-19 crisis and quarantine virtually.Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. The research sample consisting of 46 mothers who have children with hearing loss were divided into two groups: a positive parenting training group and a group that was trained ina life skills program. The workshops of both groups were accomplished online due to the limitations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Data collection tools were three questionnaires of parenting, life skills, and general health that werecompleted in both pre-test and post-test stages. For data analysis, SPSS software version 26 was used.Results: The results indicate that parenting education significantly reduced anxiety and depression in mothers with children with hearing impairment.Conclusion: This research showed that parenting education increases the quality of life of mothers with children with hearing impairment and confirmed the positive effects of such education.IRCT Registration Number: IRCT20201014049023N1

Keywords

• hearing loss
• mothers’ mental health
• positive parenting
• life skills