Impact of quality of life in parents of mentally retarded children: Research findings in a regional center

Abstract

Families who have a child with mental retardation experience many challenges and such conditions also affect quality of life. The study under taken to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of parents of children with mental retardation. To find out the association between the quality of life (QOL) and there selected socio demographic variables. To determine the relationship between the grades of mental retardation and the quality of life (QOL) of parents. In the study cross sectional survey approach was used to evaluate the quality of life. 100 parents of mentally retarded children were enrolled (Vikas Mandir, Mental Retardation School, Nashik.) for the study from 08-Jan-2014 to 07-Feb-2014. Non probability, convenient sampling technique was used. A semi structured interview schedule was prepared to collect data from subjects based on the study objectives. Findings revealed that the parents of children with mental retardation having poor quality of life in financial aspect (5.97+ 1.87) (29.95%), average quality of life in physical (45.27+ 7.86) (59.56%), psychological (24.69+ 4.84) (61.72%), social (16.47+ 3.31) (58.82%) and environmental as39pect (40.87+ 5.63) (53.7%). Chi square test shows significant association between socio demographic variables of mental retardation children with quality of life of parent such as sex of mental retardation child and duration of illness since diagnosed. Coefficient of co-relation test value revealed that among the selected study variables mild and severe mental retardation were negatively correlated (r= -0.18, r= -0.06), and moderate mental retardation was positively correlated (r= 0.06) with quality of life of parents.