Stress-mediated quality of life outcomes in parents of disabled children: A case-control study

Background: The purpose of the present study was to resolve whether caregiving for a child with disability influences the physical and mental health of the caregivers and whether stress is related to the quality of life of the caregivers. Methods: The Parental Stress Scale questionnaire for the assessment of parental stress and the Short Form-12 version 2 questionnaire for the assessment of physical and mental health quality of life were distributed among 69 parents of developmentally disabled children and 137 parents of healthy children (control group). Various sociodemographic factors were also included. Results: A significant difference was seen between the two groups in terms of employment, presence of disabled sibling, smoking, and physical activity. Parents of developmentally disabled children had significantly higher stress levels and worse mental health-related quality of life. Overall physical health quality of life was similar between cases and controls. Stress had a negative correlation with both mental and physical health quality of life of the parents. Conclusion: Stress related to raising a child with disability negatively influences the parental quality of life. Stress management aiming at its prevention and reduction might be significant aspects of intervention for the improvement of the quality of life of the caregivers.