DETERMINANTS OF QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG PRIMARY CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY IN A COUNTY TEACHING AND REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KENYA
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Primary caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) face various challenges physical, social, psychosocial, and environmental that affect their quality of life (QOL). The study aimed to identify factors influencing caregivers’ well-being for children with cerebral palsy at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional correlational study was undertaken, applied consecutive sampling and utilized the WHOQOL-BRIEF instrument to evaluate quality of life of ninety six caregivers who participated in the study. Descriptive and inferential methods were adopted in analyzing data. Findings: The mean age of caregivers was 34.9 (SD 13.2), the majority being women, 88.5%, and married caregivers were 76%. Fifty one percent of children were aged between 2-5 years, males being prominent, 57.3% and 60.4% had moderate CP. Thirty-six caregivers had a high quality of life. Significant factors that influence QOL were marital status (P = 0.005), monthly household income (P=0.006), financial assistance (P=0.002), the severity of the disease (P=0.001), and additional medical condition (P=0.005). Conclusion: The study established that caregivers who received financial assistance and caregiving support improved QOL (P<0.001) and (P=0.020) respectively, and caregivers of children able to walk independently (P=0.003).
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