Pain, Caregiver Burden, and Quality of Life in Mothers of Children With Disabilities

Relationship Between Pain Intensity, Caregiver Burden, and Quality of Life in Mothers of Children With Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aims to investigate the relationships between pain intensity, caregiver burden, and quality of life in mothers of children with disabilities. Pain intensity, caregiver burden, and physical and mental quality of life will be evaluated using validated outcome measures. The study also aims to determine independent factors associated with quality of life in caregivers.

Mothers of children with disabilities are exposed to substantial physical and psychological demands due to long-term caregiving responsibilities. These challenges may negatively affect pain levels, caregiver burden, and quality of life. However, the relationships between these factors have not been sufficiently investigated.

This cross-sectional observational study aims to examine the associations between pain intensity, caregiver burden, and quality of life in mothers of children with disabilities. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Scale (NPS), caregiver burden using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, and quality of life using the Short Form-12 (SF-12), including physical and mental component scores. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses will be performed to determine the relationships between variables and identify independent determinants of quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mothers aged 18 years and older who were the primary caregiver of a child with disabilities and who agreed to participate in the study were included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mothers with diagnosed neurological, rheumatological, or severe musculoskeletal disorders that could independently affect pain, physical activity, or quality of life were excluded.
• Mothers with cognitive impairment preventing questionnaire completion were also excluded