Caregivers Of Children Research Articles

Caregiving-Related Characteristics and Dental Care Utilization in Informal Caregivers of Persons With Dementia: Is There a Gender Difference?

Dental care utilization is an important, yet understudied aspect of healthcare in informal caregivers of persons with dementia. This study examined how caregiving-related characteristics are associated with dental care utilization among U.S. informal caregivers of persons with dementia and further examined gender differences. Pooled data came from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022. A nationally representative sample of informal caregivers (n = 3,909) was included. Dental care utilization was "yes" versus "no" within the past year. Caregiving-related characteristics included caregiver role, intensity of care, duration of care, and type of care. Logistic regressions and subgroup analyses were conducted. In total sample, compared to adult child caregivers, spousal caregivers were 28% less likely to visit a dentist (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56, 0.94). Caregivers who provided care for more than 20hrper week were 18% less likely to visit a dentist (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.69, 0.98). In subgroup analyses, intensity of care was a barrier to dental care utilization for female caregivers (OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.62, 0.98), whereas caregiver role such as spousal caregiver (OR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.39, 0.89) or other relative caregiver (OR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.50, 0.99) was a barrier to dental care utilization for male caregivers. The findings highlight the importance of caregiving-related characteristics in dental care utilization and suggest gender-tailored interventions.

Supporting caregivers of children living with disability in a humanitarian context: realist-informed evaluation of the ‘Mighty Children’ programme in Afghanistan

IntroductionTo ensure that humanitarian action is disability-inclusive, evidence is needed to understand how different strategies to support children living with disabilities and their families can work in these settings. Evidence...

Assessing the implementation of a tertiary care comprehensive pediatric asthma education program using electronic medical records and decision support tools

Background Self-management education is integral for proper asthma management. However, there is an accessibility gap to self-management education following asthma hospitalizations. Most pediatric patients and their families receive suboptimal or no education. Objective To implement a comprehensive pediatric asthma education program and evaluate subsequent self-management knowledge in patients as well as behavior change outcomes reflected in the frequency of asthma related repeat emergency department visits and hospitalization. The program implementation was informed by the Knowledge to Translation Action Framework and the i-PARIHS model for quality improvement and involved several iterative stages. Methods We implemented a comprehensive asthma education program for the families of all children 0-18 years old who had been admitted for an asthma exacerbation to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), beginning on April 1, 2018. The program was adapted to the stages of the Knowledge Translation to Action Framework including undertaking an environmental scan, expert stakeholder feedback, reviews, addressing barriers, and tailoring the intervention, along with evaluating knowledge and health outcomes. Education was delivered over 1-2 h in personalized individual or small group settings, within 4 wk of hospital discharge. All education was provided by registered nurses or respiratory therapists who were also certified asthma educators. The EPIC electronic medical record was used to facilitate referral and scheduling of asthma education sessions, and to track subsequent acute asthma visits. We compared the frequency of a repeat asthma emergency department (ED) visit or hospitalization within 1-year following an initial asthma hospitalization for children who would have received comprehensive asthma education, to a historical cohort of children who were hospitalized between April 9, 2017 – Apr 8, 2018, and did not receive asthma education. Results The program had a high enrollment, capturing nearly 75% of the target population. Most families found the program to be acceptable and reported increased knowledge of how to manage asthma. We identified a crude overall 54% reduction in repeat hospitalizations among children 1 year after implementation of the asthma education program (i.e. 10.2% (23/225) repeat hospitalization rate pre- implementation versus 4.8% (11/227) post-implementation). In adjusted time-to event analysis, this reduction was prominent at 3 months among those who received comprehensive asthma education, relative to those who did not, but this improvement was not sustained by 1 year (HR =1.1, 95% CI =0.55- 2.05; p-value = 0.6). Discussion Although we did not find long-term improvements in ED visits, or hospitalizations, in children of caregivers who participated in comprehensive asthma education, the asthma education program holds potential given that most patients found it to be acceptable and that it increased asthma management knowledge. A future asthma education program should include multiple sessions to ensure that the knowledge and behavior change will be sustained, leading ultimately to long-term reductions in repeat ED visits and hospitalizations.

Impact of Child Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Confirmed Infections on Caregivers in Japan: A Web-Based Survey.

Background/Objectives: Despite being the leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants, the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the caregivers of infected children remains largely unexplored. This study is the first in Japan to examine the psychological, social, and economic burdens on caregivers of infants infected with RSV. Methods: An online questionnaire survey was used to understand the circumstances surrounding RSV infection and the psychological, social, and economic burdens on caregivers. Equal numbers of infants aged either <6 or ≥6 months were enrolled. Results: A total of 606 caregivers were included in the final analysis. Notably, 36.1% of the infants were hospitalized. Most caregivers (91.4%) felt anxious about their infants' RSV infection, and more than half (55.8%) answered that their anxiety interfered with their daily lives. Caregivers whose daily routines were disrupted due to concerns about RSV infection were more likely to hospitalize infants, particularly for extended stays. Infection significantly affected family dynamics, hindering normal daily activities and escalating stress, which in turn led to conflicts and arguments among family members (30.4%). Regarding the financial burden, most caregivers incurred medical expenses (34.2%). Additionally, 76.9% of caregivers expressed interest in the hypothetical RSV vaccination. Conclusions: In Japan, caregivers of infants with RSV experience had significant psychological burden regardless of whether the treatment is outpatient or inpatient. In addition, a non-negligible proportion of caregivers suffer from societal and economic burdens. This study lays the groundwork for all stakeholders to fully comprehend the comprehensive disease burden of child RSV infections.

Caregivers' Perception of Child Weight and Its Implications on Children's BMI: Examining the Role of Weight Concern and Pressed Eating Behaviors as Mediators.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between caregivers' perception of child weight, their concern about children's weight, pressed eating behaviors, and children's BMI. A Child Feeding Questionnaire was administered to 442 primary caregivers of school-aged children (6-12y old) in Hangzhou, China. Significant differences were observed in age, family average monthly income, and family care type among children with different weight statuses (P<0.05). Caregivers' perception of child weight was positively correlated with children's BMI. Caregivers' perception of child weight and children's BMI were negatively correlated with pressed eating behaviors. Caregivers' perception of the child's weight, BMI, and pressed eating behaviors were positively correlated with caregivers' weight concerns. Caregivers' perception of child weight not only had a direct positive predictive effect on children's BMI but also influenced children's BMI through three paths: via the independent mediation of children's weight concern, the independent mediation of pressed eating behaviors, and the chain mediation of children's weight concern and pressed eating behaviors. Caregivers need to rectify perception biases regarding child weight, adopt reasonable feeding strategies, nurture children's self-regulation abilities regarding diet, and prevent the occurrence of childhood overweight and obesity.

The Relations Between Caregiver Education, Home Stimulation, and Children’s Developmental Outcomes: Research in Majority World Countries

AbstractCaregiver education and home stimulation have shown positive associations with children’s developmental outcomes in early childhood in high-income “Minority World” countries, and these processes also predict children’s long-term health and well-being. However, relatively little is known about these processes in low- and middle-income “Majority World” countries, where an estimated 250 million children under the age of five are at risk of not reaching their developmental potential. This paper attempts to address these gaps in knowledge by exploring the relations between caregiver education, household stimulation, and early childhood development in a sample of infants and toddlers aged birth to three using data on 9,099 caregiver-child dyads from eight under-represented Majority World sites: Brazil, Guatemala, India, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Zambia. It also explored the differences in these developmental processes between children’s sex and geographical regions. Results showed that home stimulation partially mediated the associations between caregiver education and children’s developmental outcomes across eight sites. These developmental processes differed by geographical regions and by children’s sex. In sum, these findings contribute to the field’s understanding of the universality and specificity of child development across settings and child characteristics. They also suggest the importance of supporting caregiver education and home stimulation activities as means of promoting children’s developmental outcomes, as well as the need to promote gender equity in the Majority World to ensure equal access to learning opportunities, especially opportunities in the home.

Lived-in Experience Among Caregivers of Autistic Children: A Qualitative Study from South India

Background: Autism is a developmental disorder that impairs the skills related to behavior, communication, interaction, and learning. This study was undertaken to understand the difficulties faced by caregivers in various aspects of life while taking care of children with autism and their unique life experiences. Methods: After obtaining ethical approval, the study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore, India. An informed consent and a subject information sheet were taken to obtain permission from the subjects. A baseline proforma was prepared for collecting the demographic data for both autistic children and the caregivers. An in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interview that consisted of around 10 questions was conducted for 30 minutes. The interview was recorded, later transcribed verbatim, and extracted into specific themes and subthemes. Results: The lived-in experiences throw light on many emotional, social, psychological, and physical distress the caregivers go through on a day-to-day basis. The daily hassles of every caregiver are unique and challenging. Five themes and corresponding subthemes were extracted as follows: emotional meltdown, change in family dynamics, spiritual transition, perceived social burden, and perception of a child’s future. Conclusion: The caregivers of children with autism faced various challenges such as physical and emotional turmoil, financial constraints, and the deprivation of a healthy social life almost every day. Interventional measures such as nurse-led clinics, counseling measure, and planning training sessions for nurses to deal with the various issues faced by the caregivers could be taken up to address the growing concerns of caregivers of children with autism.

Zinc adherence among caregivers of under five children with diarrhea in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia

IntroductionZinc with oral re-hydration salt supplementation provides much improved outcomes for managing childhood diarrhea. There is scarcity of evidence in the study area regarding zinc supplementation adherence and factors associated with. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess zinc supplementation adherence and associated factors among caregivers of under five children with diarrhea attending health centers in Gondar City.MethodsAn institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted with 405 caregivers of under-five children with diarrhea who received zinc supplementation in Gondar City health centers. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were computed.Results35% (95% CI: 29.91, 39.21) of caregivers of under five children adhered for zinc supplementation. Adherence was observed among caregivers with good knowledge about zinc supplementation (AOR = 3.01 95%CI = 1.73, 5.24), and who received counseling (AOR = 8.4, 95%CI = 4.66, 15.13), presence of side effects (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.20, 0.65) was negatively associated with zinc supplementation adherence.ConclusionIn the study area, more than one third of children with diarrhea were adhered to zinc supplementation. Thus, improving the knowledge of caregivers and enhancing counseling services on benefits, dosage, duration and side effects of zinc supplementation are vital to improve adherence in the area.

Impact of hemispherotomy on quality of life and burden of caregivers in children and adolescents: a retrospective observational study.

To evaluate QOL and caregiver burden of children and teenagers submitted to hemispherotomy for pharmacoresistant epilepsy, by comparing pre and post-surgical intervention data. Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients submitted to surgical hemispherotomy before intervention (preOP) and their follow-up at 6months (6M PO) and 2years (2Y PO) after surgery. QOL was evaluated through the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QVCE-50) questionnaire and caregiver burden, through the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) tool. Twenty-two patients were included in the study. Sixteen patients (72%) were classified as Engel I at 2Y PO follow-up. QVCE-50 scale showed improvement of total QOL at 2Y PO. In relation to QVCE-50-specific domains, there was an improvement in the physical domain and in the cognitive-education a decrease in psychological and a stabilization in social/familiar domain scores. The majority of caregivers classified their burden as mild to moderate, with no PO improvement. Hemispherotomy represents an effective seizure control treatment, as well as it contributes to improvement of QOL, particularly in the physical domain and in spite of children's physical and cognitive limitations. However, no improvement in caregiver burden was observed, probably due to the chronic condition of these patients, which might be worsened by social issues.

Mobile phone call reminders to improve oral rehydration salt and zinc adherence for acute diarrhea in children: a single-center, randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLow-osmolarity oral rehydration salt (ORS) and zinc therapy effectively manage diarrhea in children under five years of age, offering both short- and long-term benefits. Despite this, caregivers’ adherence to ORS and zinc is often unsatisfactory due to factors such as forgetfulness, resolution of symptoms, and underestimation of the disease’s severity. This study assessed the effect of mobile call reminders on ORS and zinc tablet adherence among children with acute diarrhea in a secondary-level health facility in Kwara State, Nigeria.MethodsUsing an open-label, randomized controlled trial design, this study compared caregiver-child pairs with acute diarrhea aged 6–59 months who received standard instructions (SI) alone (control group) and an intervention group (IG) who received SI plus phone call reminders on days three and seven of zinc sulfate therapy. All participants used a pictorial diary to track loose/watery stools and ORS and zinc tablet treatments for ten days. The primary outcome measures were independent and combined adherence to ORS and zinc therapy. The secondary outcomes were independent and combined adherence scores, defined as the percentage of times the ORS was given post-diarrhea and the percentage of prescribed zinc tablets administered out of ten.ResultsA total of 364/400 mother–child pairs completed the study. The percentage of mothers with full adherence in the intervention group was 82.5% for ORS, 72.1% for zinc, and 58.5% for combined use, compared to 78.8%, 60.8%, and 43.6%, respectively, in the control group. The odds of full adherence to ORS and zinc were 1.6 and 1.7 times higher among intervention mothers [ORS: OR = 1.561, 95% CI = 0.939–2.598, P = 0.085; zinc: OR = 1.671, 95% CI = 1.076–2.593, P = 0.022], and 1.8 times higher for combined use according to WHO guidelines [OR = 1.818, 95% CI = 1.200–2.754, P = 0.005]. The mean adherence scores for the intervention group were higher than those for the control group by 4.1% (95% CI = 0.60–7.60) for ORS, 7.3% (95% CI = 3.74–10.86) for zinc, and 5.7% (95% CI = 3.23–8.17) for the combined treatment.ConclusionPhone reminders can effectively improve consistency of home treatment administered by caregivers for children under five years old.Trial RegistrationThe study was registered retrospectively (17/3/2023) with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR202301560735856).

Radzenie sobie matek zaangażowanych w realizację zadań rodzicielskich wobec dziecka z diagnozą padaczki

Introduction: Motherhood of women raising children with epilepsy is a topic that has not yet received a wider study in Poland. Special attention should be paid to mothers who, assuming the role of primary caregiver of a sick child, often take on tasks and responsibilities beyond their capabilities. Research Aim: The aim of the research was to establish correlations between mothers’ involvement in tasks related to raising their child with epilepsy and their preferred coping strategies. Method: The research used the diagnostic survey method and respondents filled in a questionnaire. The material was collected using the following tools: the Parchomiuk and Kręcisz-Plis Parental Involvement Scale, Carver's Inventory to Assess Coping with Stress (Mini-COPE) adapted by Juczyński and Ogińska-Bulik and a questionnaire of our own construction. Results: The parental involvement of mothers of children with epilepsy is average, both in the dimension of realization, motivation and satisfaction. Respondents' fulfillment of parental obligations, lower than their level of motivation, suggests that they are willing and ready to fulfill their maternal obligations by caregiving and upbringing their child, but they are not always able to engage in fulfilling them to the extent they would like to. Adaptation strategies such as Active Coping, Acceptance and Seeking Support were among the coping strategies most frequently used by the surveyed mothers. Conclusion: The existence of positive relationships between the parental commitment of the surveyed women and the use of adaptive strategies of coping with difficult situations was confirmed in some of the analyzed areas.

Quality of Life, Coping Strategies, and Psychosocial Support Status of Caregivers Having Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study From Bangladesh.

Background Although caregiving is considered a normal phenomenon for parents, delivering care to a child with neurodevelopmental disabilities can be taxing and disastrously impact parents' quality of life (QoL). This study explored the relationship between QoL, coping strategies, and psychosocial support status of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Methodology This cross-sectional study included 906 caregivers of children having neurodevelopmental disabilities utilizing the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief and Perceived Stress Scale. A tailored questionnaire gauged coping strategies and psychosocial support. Linear regression was used to identify significant contributors. Results Most caregivers (78.8%) experienced a moderate level of stress, and their QoL scores were 14.4 (SD = 2.5) for physical health, 12.0 (SD = 2.4) for psychological health, 14.6 (SD = 1.9) for social relationships, and 12.1 (SD = 2.1) for the environment. Mothers had the lowest QoL of all caregivers. Negative influences on QoL encompassed caregiver and child age, perceived stress, and lower socioeconomic status. A higher coping score positively predicted a high health-related QoL score. Gender differences were observed in psychosocial support sources. Conclusions The study underscores the need for policymaking considering findings to develop psychosocial intervention programs for enhancing the QoL of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome Clinical Characteristics from the Perspective of Quality of Life and the Impact of the Disease on Family Functioning.

Background/Objectives: Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RSTS-OMIM, #180849) is a rare genetic disorder associated with distinctive clinical features, including a typical craniofacial appearance, global developmental delay, intellectual disability and broad, angular thumbs and fingers. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the health problems of children with RTST, their quality of life and the impact of the disease on family functioning. In addition, we investigate whether comorbidities, autistic behavior and eating problems affect the children's overall QOL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, including a total of 13 caregivers of children diagnosed with RSTS. A self-reported questionnaire [SRQ], medical records and the Pediatric Impact Module PedsQLTM 2.0, the Pediatric Quality of Life PedsQLTM 4.0 were used to obtain data on QOL and the impact of the disease on family functioning. Results: The overall QOL score for children with RSTS was x = 52.40; SD 13.01. The highest QOL was in emotional functioning (EF; x = 59.23; SD 18.69), while the lowest QOL was in physical functioning (PF; x = 48.56; SD 16.32) and social functioning (SF; x = 48.85; SD 18.84). There was a statistically significant negative correlation (p < 0.03; r = -2.01) between the age of the child and their QOL, indicating that older children had lower QOL scores. The mean overall rating for the impact of RSTS on family functioning was x = 50.00; SD 10.91. Caregivers reported the highest scores for cognitive functioning (CF; x = 64.23; SD 23.70) and family relationships (FR; x = 60.00; SD 17.17). The lowest scores were for daily activities (DA; x = 41.03; SD 17.17) and worry (W; x = 37.69; SD 18.55). Conclusions: This study provides the first comprehensive exploration of the QOL of children with RSTS) and its impact on family functioning.

Living with and Caring for People with Multiple Food Allergies: A Qualitative Study.

The quality of life (QoL) impact of food allergies extends beyond severe allergic reactions, as food avoidance can permeate the daily lives of individuals with food allergies and their caregivers. People with multiple food allergies may experience a greater impact on QoL than people with a single food allergy, but there is limited evidence available. The aim of the study was to provide insight into the lived experiences of adults, teenagers, children, and caregivers of children with multiple food allergies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted of people with multiple food allergies and their caregivers (n = 20) in the United States, including 10 adults, 5 teenagers, and 5 caregivers of children. Patterns in responses were explored using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes were developed by the researchers to convey the experiences of people with food allergies and QoL impact: preparedness and allergen avoidance results in a loss of spontaneity; emotional impact varies by person and for each person; participating in society involves speaking up and trusting others; and food is more than nutrition. In addition, 3 themes were identified that convey the experiences of caregivers: looking out for your child's safety is an emotional balancing act; limitations on what you can do on your own and as a family; and creating a safe and fulfilling environment can be time-consuming and costly. These findings highlight that people with multiple food allergies experience social limitations, stress about food safety and allergen avoidance, and restrictions on freedom. Caregiver QoL is impacted by the need to navigate social, emotional, and practical implications of caring for a child with multiple food allergies.

Community awareness, knowledge and perception about malaria vaccine in the Kassena-Nankana East Municipality: A descriptive cross-sectional survey.

To assess community awareness, knowledge and perception of the malaria vaccine. A descriptive cross-sectional survey. Multistage sampling was adopted in recruiting 400 participants. A structured questionnaire designed based on study objectives guided data collection. Participants were 18-47 years with a mean age of 30 years. A statistically significant association was observed between socio-demographic characteristics (age, marital status, religion, education) and the awareness of the malaria vaccine. Majority of the participants (n = 190, 86.4%) said the vaccine was for the protection of children and they perceived that the vaccine would improve children's ability to fight diseases (n = 158, 71.8%), hence should be administered to every child (n = 201, 91.4%). Nurses and other health workers should intensify public education on the malaria vaccine. Caregivers of children in Kassena-Nankana East Municipality.

53796 Awareness, attitude and quality of life among primary caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis attending the Regional Dermatology Training Center in 2023

53796 Awareness, attitude and quality of life among primary caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis attending the Regional Dermatology Training Center in 2023

EVALUATION OF FAMILY IMPACT OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY AND FAMILY CAREGIVER'S QUALITY OF LIFE, SLEEP QUALITY AND INDIVIDUAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION SATISFACTION: A MIXED STUDY

Purpose: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a disease that has significant effects on both the child and the family. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of the family, quality of life, sleep quality and individual physical education (IPE) of family caregivers of children with CP. In addition, it is planned to detail the factors affecting their satisfaction through semi-structured individual interviews. Methods: Family caregivers of 55 children diagnosed with CP between the ages of 1 and 15 were included in the study. Demographic information with “Demographic Information Survey”, the functional status of the child's with “Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)” the impact of the child on the family with “Impact on Family Scale (IoFS)”, caregiver's quality of life with “World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale - Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) ”, caregiver's sleep quality was evaluated with “ Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)” and the satisfaction with IPE was questioned with the “Pediatric Quality of Life Healthcare Parental Satisfaction Scale (PedsQL)”. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured individual interviews. Results: In our study, GMFCS level was negatively correlated with WHOQOL-BREF (p=0.028) and positively correlated with PSQI (p=0.002). In addition, the IoFS scale correlated negatively (p=0.000) with WHOQoL-BREF and positively (p=0.016) with PSQI. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that the physical dependence of the child has a negative impact on the quality of life and sleep quality of caregivers, and that the number of siblings affects parents' satisfaction with the treatment. It is recommended that further information be obtained regarding parents' perceptions of the disease and their individual physical education needs, as a result of semi-structured individual interviews.

Caregivers' Attention Toward, and Response to, Their Child's Interoceptive Hunger and Thirst Cues.

People can use their internal state to determine if they are hungry or thirsty. Although the meaning of some interoceptive cues may be innate (e.g., pain), it is possible that others-including those for hunger and thirst-are acquired. There has been little exploration of this idea in humans. Consequently, we conducted a survey among child caregivers to determine if the basic conditions necessary for interoceptive learning were present. Two-hundred and thirty-five caregivers of children aged 1-12 years were asked if they had recently noticed stomach rumbling, hunger-related irritability, and a dry mouth in their child. They were also asked how they would respond. The impact of several moderating variables, especially caregiver beliefs about the causes of hunger, fullness, and thirst, was also explored. Fifteen percent of caregivers had recently noticed stomach rumbling in their child, 28% hunger-related irritability, and 14% a dry mouth. Forty-four percent of caregivers had noticed at least one of these three cues. Noticing hunger cues was significantly moderated by caregiver beliefs about their cause, by child age, and in one case by temporal context (around vs. outside mealtimes). Key caregiver responses were providing the need (e.g., offer food) and/or asking the child if they had a need (e.g., hungry?). Each type of response could potentially support a different form of interoceptive learning. In conclusion, we suggest the necessary conditions for children to learn interoceptive hunger and thirst cues, are present in many caregiver-offspring dyads.

The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children with Special Needs: A Comparative Study

Aim: Caring needs of children with special needs increase the stress levels of caregivers for many reasons. The aim of this study was to examine, compare, and provide recommendations regarding the stress levels, factors influencing stress levels, and coping strategies among caregivers of both healthy and special needs children during disaster periods. Method: This research was planned as a cross-sectional study. The survey, which was created in an electronic environment, disseminated to as many people as possible across the country via e-mail, various communication networks, and social media. After the demographic information of 261 caregivers were recorded, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, the Caregiver Strain Index, and the Ways of Coping Inventory Questionnaire were administered. Results: While the stress level was high (Mean±SD:7.67±3.98) in the caregivers of children with special needs, this level was within the normal limits (Mean±SD:6.44±3.61) in the caregivers of healthy children. There was a significant difference between the groups (p:0.009). In terms of coping with stress, caregivers of children with special needs were found to prefer emotion-focused/passive approaches, and there was a difference between the groups (p:0.000). Conclusion: The restrictive conditions during disaster period can impact the mental health of caregivers of special needs children, and there are several factors involved in this process. In line with this, we believe that specific policies and strategies need to be developed to support the mental health of caregivers of special needs children during extraordinary situations such as disaster scenarios.

The mental health of maternal caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in rural, low-income parts of Southern Africa

Maternal primary caregivers of children living with cerebral palsy (CP) bear a significant burden that has the potential to impact their mental health. There is a paucity of research on the mental health of maternal caregivers of children with CP in rural areas of Southern Africa, highlighting the need for further exploration in this area. Specifically, there is a need to explore the multifaceted factors that influence the mental health of maternal primary caregivers of children with CP living in rural, low-income areas. The paper aimed to identify the various factors that influence the mental health of maternal primary caregivers of children living with CP who reside in rural, low-income areas of Southern Africa. Additionally, the paper sought to enhance the understanding of healthcare practitioners and stakeholders engaged in the care and support of these maternal primary caregivers and their children living with CP, therefore increasing awareness of this issue. This is a theoretical paper discussing the existing literature on the mental health of maternal caregivers of children living with CP in Southern Africa. The review was conducted by searching for published and grey literature in Google Scholar, PubMed, and EBSCOhost. The mental health of such caregivers is influenced by several factors, including the economic situation, physical demands, environmental conditions, insufficient information, experiences of stigma and marginalisation, interpersonal relationships, and emotional challenges. The social-ecological model is used to make sense of these factors in the mental health of maternal primary caregivers of children living with CP. HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE Ngokwana, R. &amp; Clare, H. (2024). The mental health of maternal caregivers of children with cerebral palsy in rural, low-income parts of Southern Africa. African Journal of Social Work, 14(4), 217-224. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i4.5 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net