The effect of having a children with cerebral palsy on quality of life, burn-out, depression and anxiety scores: A comparative study

Background. The caregivers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) should overcome the difficulties and complications arising from their children's impairments. It may be stressful for the caregivers when the balance between these inevitable demands and their own social needs impairs. Therefore, the primary caregiver, may experience several psycho-social problems. Aim. To compare the quality of life (QoL), mental health and burnout of caregivers of patients with CP and healthy controls. The effects of the functional limitations of children with CP on the QoL, mental health and burnout of caregivers have also been evaluated. Design. Cross-sectional, comparative.Setting. Outpatient. Population. One hundred and forty-three caregivers of children with CP and 60 caregivers of typically developing children were recruited for the study. Materials and methods. The inventories related to QoL, mental health and burnout of the caregivers for both groups were compared. The correlations between functional limitations of the children with CP and QoL, mental health and burnout of their caregivers have been analyzed. Results. Caregivers in CP group had poorer QoL, worser mental health, and higher burnout levels compared to the controls. The functional limitations of the children with CP were correlated with impairment of QoL and depression scores of their caregivers, but not with the anxiety or burnout scores. Conclusion. Having a disabled child has interference on caregivers' QoL and mental health and increases the burnout. Furthermore, as the functional impairment level of the child increases, the interference does too. Clinical rehabilitation impact. Health professionals working in this area should also consider the mental health and the QoL of caregivers and should develop interventions that support and nurture the family as a whole