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Depression Rate of Foster Parents in Utah Measured by Administration of the PHQ-9

by Melanie Murphy, MBA, PA-C ↓; Vivian Cruz, PA-S ↓; Sabrina Higley, PA-S ↓; Damaris Huang, PA-S ↓ & Kinzie Tobler, PA-S ↓

Abstract

Objective: Our objective is to measure the rate of depression among licensed Utah Foster Parents.

Background and Rationale: The mental health of foster parents is a critical factor in providing adequate care for foster children. However, there is a lack of data regarding the mental health of foster parents, particularly in relation to depression. This study aims to quantify the rate of depression among foster parents in Utah and compare it to the rate of depression in the general adult population. In addition, this study also examines the potential correlation between depression rates and factors such as regionality, age, and length of time fostering children.

Design and Methods: A total of 155 foster parents in Utah participated in the study by completing the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) survey through the Utah Foster Care Bridge App.

Results: The results indicated that 54% of foster parents had a PHQ-9 score of 5 or higher, indicating at least minimal depression, compared to a rate of 23% in the general adult population. However, there was no significant correlation between depression rates and years of fostering or the number of children currently being fostered.

Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the need for increased support and resources for foster parents, particularly in addressing their mental health needs.

References

  1. Mancinelli E, Dell’Arciprete G, Salcuni S. A Systematic Review on Foster Parents’ Psychological Adjustment and Parenting Style-An Evaluation of Foster Parents and Foster Children Variables. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(20):10916. Published 2021 Oct 17. doi:10.3390/ijerph182010916.
  2. Yang, Longfei, et al. “The Effects of Psychological Stress on Depression.” Current Neuropharmacology, vol. 13, no. 4, 2015, pp. 494–504., https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159×1304150831150507.
  3. Mazure, Carolyn M. “Life Stressors as Risk Factors in Depression.” Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, vol. 5, no. 3, 1998, pp. 291–313., https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2850.1998.tb00151.
  4. Statewide Facts: Children in Foster Care. https://utahfostercare.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ufc-factsheet-general.pdf.
  5. “Brief Mental Health and Foster Care.” National Conference of State Legislatures.


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Depression Rate of Foster Parents in Utah Measured by Administration of the PHQ-9 by Melanie Murphy, MBA, PA-C, Vivian Cruz, PA-S, Sabrina Higley, PA-S, Damaris Huang, PA-S & Kinzie Tobler, PA-S