Calidad de vida de los cuidadores de personas con Síndrome de Down

Abstract

The crucial role in the care process for patients with Down Syndrome (DS) is played by the caregiver, with the family as the center of the care structure. The purpose of this study, carried out during the first quarter of 2023 in Ecuador, was to evaluate the quality of life of caregivers of people with DS. For this, a descriptive, analytical and correlational analysis was carried out with the participation of 32 caregivers. Two validated questionnaires were used to assess four domains: environment, social relationships, psychological health, and physical health. Differences between groups and Pearson's Chi square tests were carried out using the SPSS 22.0 software to analyze the information obtained. The results demonstrated low levels of social relationships, psychological health and physical health, as well as moderate levels of interaction with the environment. It was found that the mother is the main caregiver and that the bond with the patient and the school level were significantly related (p<0.05) with an inadequate quality of life. Sociodemographic factors also had an impact on the poor quality of life of caregivers, which led to a substantial deterioration in the different dimensions that make up their quality of life, especially in the sphere of social relationships.