The well-being of parental caregivers of children with activity limitations

Matern Child Health J. 2010 Mar;14(2):155-63. doi: 10.1007/s10995-008-0434-1. Epub 2008 Nov 26.

Abstract

This paper describes well-being (health status/quality of life, healthcare utilization, employment, and financial status) of parental caregivers of children with activity limitations and compares their well-being to parental caregivers with children without activity limitations. Using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data from 1996 to 2001, we examined the well-being of parents of children with and without an activity limitation. Children were considered as having an activity limitation if they reported a limitation in school, play or social activities. Analyses include weighted descriptive statistics and multivariable regressions. Seventy-five percentage of parents of children with activity limitations experienced at least one adverse outcome compared to 66% of parents of children without activity limitations. Parents of children with activity limitations exhibited poorer reported quality of life as indicated by lower SF-12 physical health scores (coefficient = -2.24 CI -3.38 to -1.11) and lower EuroQol scores (coefficient = -.07 CI -.10 to -.03). Parents of children with activity limitations have slightly higher utilization of sick visits. One measure of preventive care use was not significant and one showed a slight increase in use among parents of children with activity limitations. Employment and financial outcomes were less favorable for parents of children with activity limitations. Across a variety of domains, parental caregivers of children with activity limitations are at a disadvantage compared to other parents suggesting that public and private parental supports might be helpful.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Disabled Children*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Middle Aged
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • United States
  • Young Adult