Coping Behaviors and Its Influential Factors for Caregivers of Children with Disabilities in Developed Areas in China / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the current status of coping behaviors among caregivers of children with disabilities in the context of rehabilitation and its influencing factors. Methods:From December, 2019 to January, 2020, and August to September, 2020, a total of 358 caregivers (parents) of children with disabilities were surveyed in Shanghai. They were evaluated in the context of rehabilitation of children with disabilities with Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors. Results:The total score of CHIP was (106.00±23.45) and the average score of CHIP was (2.36±0.52). Among the caregiver factor, mothers (B = 7.607, 95%CI 2.477 to 12.737, P = 0.004), and caregivers who didn't need to care for others (B = 5.758, 95%CI 1.174 to 10.343, P = 0.014) reported higher CHIP score. Among the child factors, higher CHIP score was reported in caregivers who had more partners (B = 2.925, 95%CI 1.233 to 4.618, P < 0.001), participated in public space activities more frequently (B = 3.906, 95%CI 1.743 to 6.068, P < 0.001) and perceived changes in rehabilitation outcomes (B = -16.832, 95%CI -31.471 to -2.193, P = 0.024); CHIP score was lower in thoses of 3 to < 6 years old (B = -7.914, 95%CI -15.157 to -0.671, P = 0.032) and with intellectual disability children (B = -11.153, 95%CI -21.360 to -0.947, P = 0.032). Among the environmental factors, caregivers who perceived more friendly social attitude (B = 2.560, 95%CI 0.615 to 4.505, P = 0.010) reported higher CHIP score. Conclusion:It is proposed to learn the coping needs of caregivers of children with disabilities in the context of rehabilitation. The coping behaviors of caregivers are influenced by multiple factors, such as children's individual, caregivers and environment.