The relationship between maternal concern and social support in mothers of children hospitalized in Taleghani Hospital, Gorgan, Iran: A cross-sectional study

Hospitalization of a child is a highly stressful experience for parents, particularly mothers, and may lead to anxiety, concern, and adverse outcomes for both parents and children. Social support, as a protective factor, plays a critical role in alleviating parental psychological stress, though demographic characteristics may influence perceptions of social support. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between maternal concern and perceived social support among mothers of hospitalized children in Taleghani Hospital, Gorgan, Iran, in 2025. A total of 150 mothers of children aged 2–12 years were included. Data were collected using a demographic form, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), and the Sherbourne-Stewart Social Support Questionnaire. The mean maternal concern score was 54.93 (standard deviation [SD]=41.70), and the mean perceived social support was 31.86 (SD=43.50). Spearman correlation analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between maternal concern and perceived social support (r=0.56, P<0.01). Maternal education level and occupation were significantly associated with both concern and perceived social support; mothers with lower education and homemakers reported higher concern and lower perceived support. Other demographic variables, including the child’s sex and age, were not significantly related. Overall, mothers’ concern was great, while perceived social support was relatively low. These findings suggest that concern may motivate seeking social support, which plays an essential role in mitigating parental psychological stress. Special attention to mothers with lower levels of education and to homemakers participating in support programs and psychosocial interventions can help reduce concerns and enhance the quality of family-centered care.