Determining the burdens and difficulties faced by families with intellectually disabled children

Abstract

Objectives: This descriptive research was conducted with the aim of determining the difficulties families with intellectually disabled children face and their family burdens. Methods: The research population consisted of the mothers of 220 children who are aged 0-18 and monitored at a Special Guidance and Research Center due to their intellectual disabilities. The sample group was composed of 160 mothers who consented to participate in the research. Results: Of the children, 36.9% had mild, 43.1% had moderate, and 20% had severe mental retardation. Of the mothers, 48.8% reported they had no one with whom to share the care of the child. Mothers also reported that they felt disappointment (38.8%), bewilderment (48.1%), shock (31.3%), desperation (52.5%), anger (16.9%), guilt (14.4%). Of the mothers, 13.1% blamed others, 61.9% accepted the situation as an act of God, 12.5% had thoughts of committing suicide, and 28.1% suffered from depression. On the "Family Burden Assessment Scale (FBAS)," 7.5% of the mothers got low scores, and 92.5% got high scores. Conclusion: This research found that most of the families felt anxious about the future, felt like their burden was too much to bear, and expected information and support from healthcare professionals.