The study, conducted in Anand, Gujarat, included 116 caregivers of children with various disabilities. It assessed their quality of life (QOL) using the World Health Organization-QOL (WHO-QOL) and coping strategies through the BREF COPE scale. The findings offer a valuable framework for practitioners to enhance their approach to caregiver support.
Key Findings
- The social relationship domain scored highest in QOL, while the environment domain scored the lowest.
- Active emotional coping was the primary strategy used by caregivers.
- Significant differences in QOL were observed based on the type of disability.
Implementing Research Outcomes
To improve caregiver support, practitioners can focus on the following strategies:
1. Foster Social Relationships
Given that the social relationship domain scored highest, practitioners should encourage caregivers to build and maintain strong social networks. This can include support groups, family counseling, and community activities.
2. Enhance Environmental Support
Since the environment domain scored lowest, it's crucial to address the financial and logistical challenges caregivers face. Providing resources for financial aid, respite care, and accessible transportation can significantly improve their QOL.
3. Promote Effective Coping Strategies
While active emotional coping was prevalent, it's essential to introduce problem-focused coping mechanisms. Training sessions on stress management, time management, and realistic goal-setting can equip caregivers with practical tools to handle daily challenges.
4. Tailor Support Based on Disability Type
The study highlighted that QOL varies with the type of disability. Practitioners should customize their support strategies to address specific needs, whether it's behavioral interventions for ADHD or medical support for epilepsy.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides a solid foundation, further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of various coping strategies and support systems. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of knowledge through clinical studies and collaborative research.
By integrating these research findings into practice, we can create a more supportive environment for caregivers, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the children we serve.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Quality of life and coping strategies of caregivers of children with physical and mental disabilities.
