Does socioeconomic position moderate the impact of child behaviour problems on maternal health in South Asian families with a child with intellectual disabilities?

Background: Previous research has reported robust associations between child problem behaviours and parental health in families with a child with intellectual disabilities. A recent study found that socioeconomic position may moderate this relationship. This paper examines moderating effects using more diverse indicators of socioeconomic position and parental health and in a cross-cultural context. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 123 UK South Asian mothers of a child with severe intellectual disabilities. Results: Socioeconomic position did not moderate the association between child problem behaviours and maternal distress. Socioeconomic position did moderate associations between child problem behaviours and maternal anxiety, depression and self-assessed health. Conclusions: Future research should systematically investigate the influence of socioeconomic position on family functioning.