Quality of Life and Happiness among Mothers of Children with Congenital Heart Disease and Mothers of Healthy Children

Background: Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are classified as one of the most serious chronic diseases among children. The whole family can be affected by the disease facing with numerous physical and mental problems. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life and happiness among mothers of children with congenital heart disease and mothers of healthy children. Methods: The study was a causal - comparative study. Samples consisted of 200 individuals (100 parents of children with congenital heart disease and 100 parents of healthy children), who were selected through purposive sampling. ʺFordyce Happiness Questionnaireʺ and ʺThe World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaireʺ used for data collecting. Data analyzed with Independent T-test and multivariate analysis of variance using SPSS v.16. Results: The results showed significant differences between the quality of life and happiness among mothers of children with congenital heart disease and mothers of healthy children (P=0.001). Conclusion: Quality of life and happiness of the families can be affected by diseases. Sick children impose physical and mental problems on the whole family especially, mothers.