Date of Award

12-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Epidemiology & Biostatistics

First Advisor

Dr. Nargis Asad

Second Advisor

Dr. Nida Zahid

Third Advisor

Mr Iqbal Azam

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background Interpersonal mindful parenting has been defined as how much the parent-child relationship is present-centered. Depression and anxiety, are two problems that are common within mothers, and greatly impact their way of navigating life challenges and parenting practices. Little is known about the relationship between employment status, interpersonal mindful parenting, and maternal mental health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan.
Objectives The primary objective of this study was to compare mean scores of interpersonal mindful parenting, depression, and anxiety among working and non-working mothers of preadolescents aged 9–12 years. Moreover, the secondary objective was to assess factors such as a mother's education, time spent with the child, and emotional support from family and their association with IMP, depression, and anxiety.
Methods The study design was a cross-sectional survey with 172 mothers, out of which 69 were working women and 103 were non-working women. The data was collected using purposive sampling from the Memon community of Karachi. A structured questionnaire was designed that included sociodemographic questions, an interpersonal mindful parenting scale (IMP-scale), and a depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21). Independent t-tests were used to compare means scores, while Pearson chi-square tests were conducted to assess the categorical association. Multivariable analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression for interpersonal mindful parenting, and ordinal logistic regression was employed for depression and anxiety. Results Upon conducting t-tests, IMP mean scores showed no difference among both groups, while depression and anxiety were slightly higher in non-working mothers. In multivariable analysis, the linear regression used showed no significant association of IMP with employment status (p = 0.87). However, mothers who spent 3 or more hours with their child had higher IMP scores (p< 0.05), suggesting that time spent with the child is an important part of mindful parenting. iv Non-working mothers had 1.43 times higher odds of being depressed as compared to working mothers when controlling for other sociodemographic factors. However, this result was not statistically significant. Anxiety had a strong association with employment status, whereas non working mothers had higher odds of having severe anxiety as compared to working mothers.
Conclusion It’s crucial to support women emotionally and provide them with means to get educated for their mental well-being and to promote better parenting practices. Job satisfaction plays an important role in keeping working mothers stress-free, which helps them be better with their parent-child interactions and regulates their emotions.

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1

Last Page

79

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