State anxiety and knowledge levels in mothers of children with developmental dysplasia of the hip

Aim

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders in newborns. Previous studies have shown that this condition is not only a physical problem but may also negatively affect mothers’ psychological well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge levels and state anxiety levels of mothers of children diagnosed with DDH and to examine the factors associated with state anxiety.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 1, 2025, and April 1, 2026, with 150 mothers of children diagnosed with DDH who presented to the Orthopedics and Traumatology outpatient clinic of Ondokuz Mayıs University. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews. The data collection tools included a sociodemographic data form, a 15-item knowledge questionnaire developed based on the literature and finalized with expert opinion, and the validated State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess state anxiety levels.

Results

Mothers had a mean age of 31.6±4.9 years, while the mean age at diagnosis and the current age of the children were 2.8±1.8 months and 14.6±11.6 months, respectively. The median knowledge score was 10 (range: 3–15), and the mean state anxiety score was 50.4±10.2. A weak but statistically significant negative correlation was found between knowledge level and anxiety level (rₛ = -0.176, p = 0.032). A moderate, statistically significant negative correlation was found between time since diagnosis and anxiety level (rₛ = -0.472, p < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, only time since diagnosis was found to be a significant predictor of anxiety level (β = -0.490, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Higher state anxiety levels were observed among mothers closer to the time of diagnosis. Time since diagnosis was found to be significantly associated with state anxiety. These findings indicate the importance of providing supportive interventions for mothers, particularly in the early period following diagnosis.

Key messages

• State anxiety is high in mothers in the early period following the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip and decreases over time, indicating a process of psychological adaptation.

• Improving maternal knowledge and providing early supportive interventions may help reduce state anxiety following a diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip.