Quality of life of family caregivers of people with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the perception of parents/caregivers of people with Down syndrome on quality of life. Methods: It is a qualitative study, which used for data collection semi-structured interviews with 10 caregiver parents of people with Down syndrome. To analyze the data, we used the content analysis technique. Results: It was observed that caregivers are mothers over the age of 30, who declared themselves as racially mixed (Pardo in Portuguese), live with a partner, practice some type of physical activity and attend any educational institution. Moreover, they had as main occupation the caregiver role. Caregivers reported that access to leisure; health; family relationships; general welfare; Material and rights were the factors that influence the quality of life. Conclusion: it was concluded that caregiver parents of people with Down syndrome had different views on the quality of life.