222 Stress and Coping Efforts Among Caregivers of Children with Down Syndrome: Application of The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Stress is amplified in parents of children with Down syndrome (DS). However, little is known about caregivers’use of coping strategies in relation to stress-related eating and their child with DS. The purpose of this study is to explore stressors and coping resources that increase or decrease stress-related eating among caregivers of children with DS. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This descriptive qualitative study sought to understand and describe the lived experiences of caregivers of children with DS. Fifteen caregivers of children, ages 2-6-years with DS, completed an online survey and individual interview. The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping was used to develop the interview guide and to assess related constructs using the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Salzburg Stress Eating Scale (SSES), and a subscale of the Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire (EADES). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded using NVivo 12, and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis based on theoretical constructs and content analysis approaches. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Thirteen of the 15 participants reported moderate to high perceived stress on the PSS. Stressors identified by caregivers included caring for a child with DS, feeding difficulties, physical and mental health, family and social interactions, and finances. Caregivers utilized various interpersonal resources to cope, including family, friends, and social media groups. In the interviews, stress-related eating was revealed as a coping mechanism for 9 caregivers. Also, 13 caregivers reported eating more or eating less when stressed on the SSES and 7 caregivers reported increased emotional eating as measured on the sub-scale of the MEQ. Only two caregivers described using mindfulness strategies throughout the interview. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Overall, caregivers of children with DS report increased perceived stress related to their role as a caregiver of a child with DS, which may be related to changes in caregivers’dietary intake. Dietary interventions developed for these families should include mindful eating and stress management strategies.