Relationship between the independence level of children with physical disabilities and physical health, quality of life and social support of their parents

Abstract

Purpose: The study was conducted to examine the relationship between physical health, quality of life and social support of theparents of children with physical disabilities and the independence level of these children.Methods: Sixty-one mothers of disabled children aged between 18 and 50 years were included in the study. Their muscularstrength and endurance, musculoskeletal pain, quality of life and received social support were evaluated. A hand-helddynamometer and McGill protocol were used to assess muscle strength and endurance, respectively. The Short Form-36questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used to assessmusculoskeletal pain and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale was used to assess social support perceived. WeeFunctional Independence Measure questionnaire was used to determine the functional independence of children withdisabilities.Results: There were statistically significant and positive correlations between Wee Functional Independence Measure scores ofchildren and scores of mothers' social function subscale of Short Form-36 scale (p <0.05). There was a significant and negativerelationship between Wee Functional Independence Measure scores of children and in 21 out of 33 of muscle group muscularstrength of mothers (p <0.05).Conclusion: Children who are functionally more independent in their daily lives influencing physical and social well-being oftheir mothers. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs should focus on increasing the independence level of children withdisabilities.