Al-Hikmah University Journal

This study investigates the stress levels and coping mechanisms among parents of children

diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and Down syndrome (DS) in Kwara State, Nigeria. The

research aims to understand the unique challenges faced by these parents and identify effective

coping strategies employed to manage stress in their care-giving role. Descriptive research

design was adopted for this study. Data were collected from a sample of parents using two set of

instrument; the Parental stress scale (PSS) and The Brief-Coping Orientation to Problem

Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE) . One research hypothesis was tested at a 0.05 level of

significant and two research questions were answered in the in the study. PPMC was used to

analyze the relationship while percentage was used to analyze the research questions. Findings

reveal that parents of children with CP and DS experience high levels of stress due to various

factors including financial strain, social stigma, lack of support services, and emotional burden.

However, parents demonstrate a poor coping mechanism to navigate the stress associated with

raising children with special needs. Coping strategies identified include seeking social support

from family and friends, accessing specialized healthcare services, engaging in

religious/spiritual practices, and practicing self-care activities. It was recommended that

Parents of CP and DS children in Kwara adopts more effective stress management and coping

strategies in managing high level of stress emanating from nurturing of CP and DS children in

Kwara State among others.