The care burden of mothers of children with disability: Association between family quality of life and fatigue

Abstract

AimThis study was performed with the aim of investigating the correlation between care burden, family quality of life and fatigue of mothers of children with disability. Material and methodThe sample for this descriptive study comprised the mothers of 280 children with disabilities accepting participation in the study, meeting the inclusion criteria, and registered in special education and rehabilitation centers in Turkey. Data were collected with the Mother-Child Descriptive Information Form, Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale (BCOS), Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale (BCFQOLS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). ResultsMothers, mean BCOS scores were 63.29 ± 17.47, mean BCFQOLS scores were 93.74 ± 14.63, and mean FSS scores were 3.84 ± 1.43. There was a statistically significant positive, moderate intensity correlation between the BCOS scores and BCFQOLS scores of mothers (r = 0.404, p < 0.001); a statistically significant negative weak correlation between BCOS scores and FSS scores (r = −0.346,p < 0.001); and a statistically significant negative weak correlation between BCFQOLS scores with FSS scores (r = −0.22,p < 0.001). According to regression analysis, the care burden of mothers was identified to be a significant determinant of family quality of life and fatigue severity (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe results of the study showed that as the care burden of mothers of children with disability increases, family quality of life reduces and fatigue levels increase. Practice implicationsIt is recommended to support the mother in the care process, to plan activities and trainings to reduce the burden and fatigue of care, to increase the quality of family life, and to provide psychological support.