Einstein (São Paulo) (Sep 2008)
Quality of life of parents with Down syndrome children
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the social and demographic features and quality of life of parents that have children with Down syndrome, and to verify the influence that the care of these children has on the quality of life of their parents. Methods: This was an investigative and descriptive study that included a sample of 30 parents that have children with Down syndrome who were registered in the APAE Sao Paulo and APAE Barueri. A questionnaire elaborated by the authors and the Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire were applied. Rresults: In the sample of 30 parents of children with Down syndrome, 80% were female. The age ranged from 28 to 49 years, mean of 37 years. The quality of life was described as “good” by 60% of the sample. The following WOHQOL-BREF scores were found: social (80.72); physical (73.36); environmental (69.74); and psychological (60.28). There were 12 responses about the influence of the care of Down syndrome children on quality of life, of which 58.3% reported major involvement with the education and care of the children, which resulted in satisfaction. Cconclusion: The psychological domain had the lowest score in the quality of life evaluation, suggesting that parents need to be offered psychological support.
