Parental stress and compliance with home exercise program of children with developmental delay-A correlation Jeevannavar Jyoti1, Madinkar Akshata2, Jeevannavar Santosh3,* 1Associate Professor SDM College of Physiotherapy, Dharwad, Karnataka, India 2Post graduate Student SDM College of Physiotherapy, Dharwad, Karnataka, India 3Professor of Orthopaedics, SDM Medical College, Dharwad, Karnataka, India *Corresponding author: Dr. Santosh Jeevannavar Professor, S. D. M. College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. Phone number: 9845549427, Email: drssj99@gmail.com
Online published on 26 October, 2018. Abstract Background The role of parents has changed from a passive one into an active participating one. Research has shown that parental involvement and the practice of incorporating home therapy programs have increased the child outcomes over the past decades. Studies suggest that parents of children with developmental disabilities usually experience high levels of stress. The stress levels of the caregivers, if not addressed, compliance with therapy may suffer. Objectives To determine a correlation between caregiver stress and compliance with home exercise programs in children with developmental delays. Materials & Method Parents/caregivers of 100 children were given the Short Form of the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress to assess the level of stress experienced by the parents/caregivers. A Compliance Survey Questionnaire to check their compliance with therapy was also given. Duly filled forms were collected back and data was subjected to statistical analysis. Results Results indicated that, invariably all the parents of children with developmental delays experienced increased stress levels. Results show that an increased level of stress among parents/caregivers led to a significant decreased compliance with home exercise programs. Conclusion When establishing a home exercise program, therapists may need to consider the caregiver's needs as well as their day-to-day stresses to maximise compliance with home program and achieve the best possible outcomes. Top Keywords Stress, Children, Developmental delay, Parents/Caregivers, Compliance. Top |