An examination of the care burden, depression, and quality of life of caregivers for children with cerebral palsy

This study was conducted to examine the care burden, depression and quality of life of caregivers of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). In this research, a cross-sectional scanning model was used. 76 caregivers for children diagnosed with CP between the ages of 0-18 were included in this study. In the collection of data, face-to-face interviews and demographic questionnaire form, Zarit Caregiving Burden Scale (ZCBS), Beck Depression Scale (BDS) and SF-36 scale were used. According to the findings of the study, as the score obtained from the ZCBS increases, the score obtained from the BDS also increases, and the score obtained from the SF-36 physical function, energy/vitality, mental health, social functioning, general health and pain sub-dimensions decreases. When the findings of the study are evaluated, the sociodemographic characteristics of the caregivers of the child with SP, the age of the child, the clinical type of the disease, the degree and the functional level affect the care load, psychological status and the quality of life. As the functional addiction of children with SP increases, the burden of care increases. According to SF-36, BDS and ZCBS data in this study, as the level of the child's Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) increases, the physical health of the caregiver, the level of depression and pain increase. The increased pain of the caregiver affects his physical activity and impairs his general emotional state. For this reason, it would be beneficial for care planning and services to be not only for children with CP but also for caregivers inclusive. This study provides important information to support the effects of problems in caregivers, informing caregivers and making their quality of life comfortable. Keywords: Cerebral Palsy, Caregiver Burden, Depression, Quality of Life