Date Presented 04/22/2023
This study examined the factors that affect resiliency and quality of life of pediatric caregivers. Results indicated similar levels of resiliency in caregivers living in both rural and urban areas. They further indicated the negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic may have had on resiliency. This study aimed to focus on the well-being of the caregiver in an attempt to determine the need for enhanced resources for those living in both rural and urban environments.
Primary Author and Speaker: Rachel Allen-McHugh
Contributing Authors: Travis Krayenhagen, Kalley O'Donnell, Hanna Risse, Zola Sloth, Elizabeth Elliott, Lauren Caseley
PURPOSE: Resiliency in caregivers correlates with reduced stress and sustained well-being. Identifying risk factors that impact resiliency can help professionals develop strategies to improve caregiver wellness (Gardiner et al., 2019). A meta-analysis by Iacob et al. (2020) found social support is vital in the resiliency of a family enduring difficult situations. Understanding barriers to resiliency can help occupational therapists and other professionals support caregivers and increase quality of life. Our study sought to discover if caregivers of children with disabilities living in rural areas have less resilience compared to those living in urban areas. In addition, we examined the potential impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on caregiver resiliency.
DESIGN: This is a quantitative study using a survey consisting of demographic, resiliency, emotional well-being, and COVID-19 quantitative and descriptive questions. This study used a Qualtrics survey for data collection. Participants were recruited for the study from outpatient pediatric facilities in a small mid-western state. A link to the survey was sent via email to outpatient pediatric facilities participating in our study. Survey questions were adapted from previous instruments in addition to new instrument questions being created specific to the Covid-19 pandemic. Researchers used 4 questions from the Emotional Well-Being section of the Family Quality of Life Survey and 10 resiliency questions adapted from a previous research study. Researchers created 11 demographic questions and 2 Likert scale questions regarding COVID-19.
METHOD: This study used a Qualtrics survey for data collection. Participants were recruited for the study from outpatient pediatric facilities in a small mid-western state. A link to the survey was sent via email to outpatient pediatric facilities participating in our study. Survey questions were adapted from previous instruments in addition to new instrument questions being created specific to the Covid-19 pandemic. Researchers used 4 questions from the Emotional Well-Being section of the Family Quality of Life Survey and 10 resiliency questions adapted from a previous research study. Researchers created 11 demographic questions and 2 Likert scale questions regarding COVID-19.
RESULTS: There were a total of 8 caregiver In general, caregivers reported that COVID-19 challenged their resiliency and quality of life. The results were not statistically significant in showing that caregivers of children with disabilities living in rural areas had less resilience as compared to those living in urban areas. Broadly, results indicated that half of the participants reported dissatisfaction with the outside help that is available to them to take care of the needs of all the family members, and half of the caregivers felt as they do not have time to pursue interests of their own. The factors of lack of outside help and time for caregiver interest impact on the resiliency and quality of life of the caregiver.
CONCLUSION: There is limited literature examining the resiliency and quality of life of pediatric caregivers. This study sought to explore this population. A percentage of the small sample of caregivers surveyed reported that COVID-19 challenged their resiliency and quality of life. Future studies should seek to recruit caregivers from demographics such as fathers or legal guardians. Responses from other types of caregivers may provide a more in-depth look into resiliency. It may also be beneficial to collect data in person to assist with participant recruitment and retention. Future research is needed to determine factors that affect resiliency in child
References
Gardiner, E., Mâsse, L. C., & Iarocci, G. (2019). A psychometric study of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale Among Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Health & Quality of Life Outcomes, 17(1), N.PAG. https://doi-org.cowles-proxy.drake.edu/10.1186/s12955-019-1117-x
Iacob et al., 2020: Iacob, C. I., Avram, E., Cojocaru, D., & Podina, I. R. (2020). Resilience in familial caregivers of children with developmental disabilities: A meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(11), 4053-4068.
American Psychological Association. (2012, February 1). Building Your Resilience. http://www.apa.org/topics/resilience
