Comparative Causal Relationship of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression with Parents' Coping Behavior during the Corona Virus Pandemic: Path Analysis

The present study was conducted with the purpose of investigating the comparative causal relationship of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression with Iranian parents' coping behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on parents with children born during the COVID-19 pandemic, who referred to selected comprehensive health centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences for one year. The sampling method was stratified and then quota. The study tools were Beck depression questionnaire, post-traumatic stress disorder questionnaire in mothers and fathers, and coping strategies questionnaire. For statistical analysis, the path analysis method was used using LISREL software.

The study was conducted on 203 mothers and 206 fathers. According to the in the group of mothers, the post-traumatic stress disorder score had the highest positive causal relationship with the substance abuse domain and the most significant negative relationship with the emotional support domain . In this group, depression score had a positive causal relationship with substance abuse area and the most significant negative relationship with active coping .In fathers group the depression score had the most positive causal relationship with the substance abuse domain  and the negative relationship with the active coping domain.

According to the results of developing support measures and appropriate therapeutic interventions, including awareness of active coping strategies in parents and the side effects of drug abuse, can play an effective role in the process of caring for a baby.