Socio-demographic profile and quality of life index for caregivers of people with physical disabilities

Abstract

The study objective was to identify the socio-demographic profile and the level of quality of life of caregivers of persons with disabilities met with the Foundation to Support Integrated Patient with Physical Disabilities (FUNAD) in the city of Joao Pessoa, in the state Paraíba, Brazil. The study had 51 participants, caregivers of people with disabilities in the age group 19-63 years (36.29±11.10). For the evaluation, we used two instruments: a structured form, with questions about personal and social profiles, and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref), to analyze the level of quality of life. The results showed that most caregivers were women (92.2%), mothers (68.6%), single (43.1%) and had attended up to elementary school (47%). Statistical significance (p<0.05), a positive correlation between age and time working as a caregiver present (p=0.000) and negative correlation between schooling and daily care time (p=0.009). It was found that the physical and emotional stress leads caregivers to encumber themselves, directly affecting the quality of life. We highlight the importance of research in lifestyle of caregivers, in order that social action and health are developed by institutions assisting people with disabilities.