Perceived Stress, Social Support, Family Burden and Stigma among Caregivers of Persons with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Background: Families of children with intellectual disability often find it difficult to find someone they can trust to look after the child. Caregiver often has to be on hand every minute of every day can therefore become very isolated from other social engagements. This can put on enormous stress on caregivers. Understanding the caregivers' stress, burden, perceived social support and stigma experienced by caregivers of children with intellectual disability is need to assessed and address effectively. Materials and Method: The present study was a cross-sectional hospital based study conducted at the outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching institute. Sixty family members of children with intellectual disability were purposively interviewed using perceived stress scale, Perceived Social Support Assessment Scale, Family Burden Interview Schedule and family interview schedule (stigma items). Results: Moderate perceived stress among 83% and high levels in 12% of the care giver. Low social support in 50%, moderate in 40% . 41.7% respondents have severe and 56.7% moderate family burden. Mean score of stigma 10.14 with SD + 6.11 Conclusion: Results indicated that Livinving with Persons with ID is higly stressful and burdensome. The lack of social support and notion of stigma adds more challenges making it even more difficult for families. Strategies and interventions should target the study variables in order to improve the overall quality of life of both care givers and patients with ID.

Keywords: Perceived stress, social support, stigma, family burden and intellectual disability