Authors : Agnel Thomas; Aleena Thomas; Ayana K.; Liya Biju; Sandra V. S.; Chinchumol Jose; Sr. Soniya Sebastain; Dr. Sr. Alphonsa K. K.; Shipsy M. Joseph

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/583m696w

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr1205

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background: Caregivers of differently abled persons play a crucial role in providing continuous physical, emotional, and social support. However, the burden of caregiving often affects their quality of life (QoL) and overall wellbeing. Assessing QoL and lived-in experiences is essential to understand their challenges and provide appropriate interventions. Aim: To assess the quality of life and lived in experiences among caregivers of differently abled persons and to determine the factors associated with quality of life. Methodology: Mixed methodology a study to scrutinize the research subject. Purposive sampling technique was used for the data collection.30 samples were taken.15 samples from Buds Special School, Chundayil and 15 samples from Snehatheeram Buds School, Dharmasala. Out of 30 samples, 5 samples taken for qualitative research. Baseline data was elicited using sociodemographic tool and informed consent was obtained from the samples. Data collection was done by providing WHO Quality of life questionnaire to the samples. Lived in experience was collected by using structured interview questionnaire through audio recordings from the samples. Results: The results reveals that social domain has highest mean score of 51.67±32.53, followed by psychological domain 50.41±35.48, environmental domain 48.23±4.98 and physical domain 48.21±32.53. Majority of the caregivers scored moderate quality of life. Significant association was found between marital status, relation with child and socioeconomic status in physical domain, in psychological domain there is significant association between religion, relation with child, number of children, socio economic status, in social domain there is significant association between type of family and marital status, and in environmental domain there is significant association between age and relation with child. Conclusion: Through this study we find out that majority of the caregivers have moderate quality of life. Our study indicates that caregivers of differently abled children in Kannur’s Buds schools experience a moderate quality of life, highlighting both the resilience of these individuals and the significant challenges they face. These findings underscore an urgent need for targeted support systems and respite care programs to alleviate their caregiving burden and enhance their overall well-being. The findings suggest that the caregivers also need emotional and psychological support to strengthen up their mental health.

Keywords : Quality of life, Lived in Experience, Differently Abled Person, Caregivers.

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