Resumen de Maternal concern, social support, and health-related quality of life across childhood

Susan B. Coyle

• Mothers play a critical role in child and family health yet little is known about the concerns and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of mothers beyond early childhood. The purpose of this study of 234 mothers of children up to 18 years of age was to examine relationships among maternal concern, social support, and HRQOL. Mothers reported a low level of concern, but concern was a significant predictor of HRQOL. The health burden for mothers was demonstrated primarily in the mental health components of HRQOL. The effect of social support was minimal and limited to the mental health domain of HRQOL. Results suggest regular assessment of maternal concerns and mental health coupled with education regarding coping strategies to support HRQOL for all mothers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:297–309, 2011