Study on the Musculoskeletal disorders, Depression and Quality of life of primary caregivers of children with disabilities

Abstract

Objective: To investigate musculoskeletal disorders, depression, and subjective QoL of primary caregiver’s caring for children with disabilities, and to investigate the relationship between the characteristics and evaluation of children with disabilities. Method: For 56 primary caregivers of children with disabilities were measured using VAS, CES-D, and index of Well-being. Results: The primary caregiver’s musculoskeletal pain intensity was in the order of mild, severe, and moderate pain, and the duration of pain was less than 1 to 5 years, and there was some disturbance to daily life. There was a positive correlation between the primary caregiver s pain intensity and health status, musculoskeletal pain intensity and depression(p<.01), and depression had a positive correlation between health status and pain intensity(p<.05). There was a negative correlation with QoL(p<.01). Conclusion: To maintain and improve the health of children with disabilities, the primary caregiver s caring behavior is the most important factor, but it can be seen that the primary caregiver s physical, psychological state, and emotional awareness are insufficient.