The Effect of Supportive-Training Intervention on the Burnout of Mothers with Disabled Child: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Mothers with a disabled child experience excessive stress, fatigue, frustration, and depression. Failure of mothers to effectively deal with these symptoms can lead to chronic fatigue and, in the long run, burnout. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of supportive-training intervention on the burnout of mothers with disabled children.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 70 mothers with disabled children studying in special schools were selected in one of the urban areas of Iran. They were divided into two groups of intervention and control, using Minimization Random Method. In the intervention group, mothers participated in supportive-training sessions once a week for a period of 6 weeks. The control group did not receive any special interventions. The data collection tool was a demographic data form and Shirom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire (SMBQ). Burnout was evaluated as primary outcome at the beginning of the study and one month after the end of the intervention. The data were analyzed by SPSS software version 18.

Results: Based on the results, there was no significant difference between the mean score of burnout in the intervention and control groups before the intervention. However, after the intervention, the mean score of burnout in the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group.

Conclusion: Considering the positive effect of supportive-training intervention on the burnout of mothers of disabled children, this intervention is recommended by nurses and other health care providers in special schools, health centers, and supportive institutions.