Healthcare
Quality of Life in a Saudi Arabian Sample of Parents and Caregivers of Children with Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
By Alghamdi AA, Algarni MA and Alzahrani MS.
Abstract
Background
Raising a child with a disability can affect multiple dimensions of caregiver quality of life (QoL), but caregiver experiences vary according to child, family, and service characteristics.
Objective
The objective of this study was to assess QoL in a Saudi Arabian sample of parents and caregivers of children with disabilities using the Arabic Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI-Ar) and to examine factors associated with total MQLI score.
Methods
In this exploratory cross-sectional study, 336 adult parents/caregivers were recruited through specialized disability centers and associated parent networks using non-probability convenience sampling. QoL was measured with the 10-item MQLI-Ar. Bivariate associations were examined using t-tests/ANOVA, and adjusted associations were evaluated using multivariable linear regression. For the multivariable model, disability status was represented by mutually exclusive diagnostic profiles.