The relationship between perceived parenting practices and anxiety in adults with congenital heart disease

Background Patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and their parents face challenges throughout their lives that can lead to anxiety lasting into adulthood. We aim to assess the association between perceived parenting practices and anxiety beyond pediatric medical-surgical histories in adults with CHD. Methods A cross-sectional study of adults with CHD was conducted at the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI). Perception of parental practices during childhood was retrospectively assessed using validated self-report questionnaires, while anxiety in adulthood was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Sociodemographic and medical information were collected from a questionnaire and medical records. Hierarchical multiple linear regression was conducted. Results Of the 223 participants, 59% were female, and the mean age was 46 ± 14 years. Perceived parenting practices explained more variance (11%) in the anxiety score than pediatric medical-surgical history (2%). In our final model, anxiety was significantly associated with age, parental history of anxiety, and positive parenting practices, but not with overprotection. Conclusions Parenting practices are associated with anxiety in adults with CHD beyond pediatric medical-surgical history and sociodemographic. Positive parenting practices may be protective against anxiety in adulthood. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine causality.