Quality of Life in Caregivers of Patients with Mental Retardation: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.628Keywords:
Mental retardation, caregivers, quality of life, socio-demographic factors, epilepsy, caregiver burdenAbstract
Mental retardation (MR) is a lifelong condition that significantly impacts not only patients but also their caregivers. The quality of life (QOL) of caregivers can be adversely affected due to continuous caregiving , stress, and socio-economic challenges. This study aimed to assess the QOL of caregivers of patients with MR responsibilities and analyze its relationship with socio-demographic variables of both patients and caregivers, as well as clinical variables related to the severity of MR.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:- The study aims to assess the quality of life of caregivers of patients with mental retardation in relation to socio-demographic factors and severity of illness.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 100 patients diagnosed with mental retardation and their respective caregivers. Caregivers’ QOL was measured using a standardized QOL questionnaire, and socio-demographic and clinical data of both patients and caregivers were collected. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the correlation between QOL scores and various socio-demographic and clinical factors, with significance tested at p<0.05.
Results: Caregivers’ QOL scores ranged from 29% to 86%, with a mean score of 52.6% (SD=10.4), indicating a moderate impairment in quality of life. Patients’ age showed an inverse relationship with caregivers’ QOL; however, other patient variables such as sex, domicile, religion, education, and occupation showed no significant correlation with caregiver QOL. Caregivers’ age was also negatively correlated with their QOL, while their education, marital status, type of family, and per capita income showed significant positive associations with better QOL scores. Caregivers’ sex, domicile, religion, occupation, and relationship to the patient were not significantly related to their QOL. Severity of MR did not significantly influence caregivers’ QOL; however, caregivers of patients with MR and comorbid epilepsy reported significantly poorer QOL scores compared to those without epilepsy.
Conclusion: The study reveals that caregivers of individuals with mental retardation experience moderately impaired quality of life, influenced more by socio-demographic factors than by the severity of the patient’s condition. Caregiver support programs and policies need to focus on improving socio-economic conditions and providing psycho-social assistance to enhance caregiver well-being.
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