Spiritual Orientation, Meaning in Life, Life Satisfaction, and Well-Being in Mothers with Disabled Children

Comparing Physical Activity and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children With Physical Disabilities and Typically Developing Children

There are conflicting reports of the level of physical activity (PA) and its relationship to quality of life (QoL) among caregivers of children with physical disabilities (CwPD). In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to compare the PA levels and QoL of two groups of caregivers - a CwPD group and caregivers of typically developing children (CwTD). We included 32 family caregivers in the CwPD group (22 women, 10 men; M age = 42.1, SD = 6.2 years) and 32 caregivers in the CwTD group (24 women, 8 men; M age = 42.3, SD = 6.1 years). We assessed PA with the International Physical Activity Scale-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and self-reported activity diaries, and we assessed QoL with the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Although the IPAQ scores and sitting times of caregivers in these two groups were not statistically different (p > .05), many parameters of self-reported activity diary data and total energy expenditure were significantly higher in the CwPD than the CwTD group (p < .05, effect size = .53-1.10). The CwPD group reported a lower QoL according to the SF-36 and its sub-scores (p < .05, effect size = .54-.77), and higher PA levels than those in the CwTD group. In the CwPD group, moderate, vigorous, and total PA scores were mildly to moderately associated with the total Qol score, and many of its subscores (r = .36 to .60, p < .05). The lower quality of life observed in CwPD, despite high-intensity physical activity levels, suggested that investigators and care providers should consider QoL in the CwPD group to be multifactorial and that here is a need for caregiver interventions to enhance QoL in this underserved population.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Spiritual Coping Styles and Hope Levels in Mothers with Disabled Children in Turkey

The birth of a child is a process in which family life and daily routines undergo significant changes and adjustments. This study aims to investigate the relationship between spiritual coping styles and hope levels in mothers with disabled children. The study was conducted between January and April 2022 with mothers whose children were enrolled in a rehabilitation center of a district located in eastern Turkey. The target population of the study was 110 mothers who had children enrolled in the rehabilitation center. The sample of the study was 102 mothers who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected through the Personal Information Form, the Trait Hope Scale, and the Maternal Spiritual Coping Scale. Spiritual coping mean scores were high in mothers who had a female disabled child, did not have any other disabled children, received support from the state for their child's care, did not ignore their other children's care due to the special condition of the disabled child and did not feel guilty, and were worried about their children's future. The difference between the mean scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Hope mean scores were found to be high in women who had children with physical and hearing disability, were illiterate, had a low economic condition, and received psychological support for the condition of their children. The difference between the mean scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05). A positive relationship was found between maternal spiritual coping levels and hope levels. In-line with this result, it is recommended to organize programs to help mothers to accept their children's condition and cope with their situation.

The Spiritual and Religious Coping of Mothers with Disabled Children in Turkey: Correlation Between Stress Coping Styles and Self-Efficacy

This study aimed to determine the correlation between stress coping styles and self-efficacy with regard to the spiritual and religious coping of mothers with disabled children. The descriptive and relational screening model was used in this study. The research was completed with 227 mothers in a private rehabilitation center at Turkey. The data were collected using Maternal Spiritual Coping, Religious Coping Styles, Stress Coping Styles Scales (SCSS), and General Self-Efficacy Scales. As a result of the study, there was a statistically advanced degree of significant correlation in a positive direction between effective coping with stress and spiritual coping (p < 0.001), and a negative significant correlation between ineffective coping with stress and general self-efficacy (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a negative significant correlation between the SCSS-effective coping dimension with the SCSS-ineffective coping points (p < 0.05). The high level of spiritual coping of mothers and its effect on coping with stress is an important result. For the participation of children with disabilities and their parents in society, it is essential to identify components such as mental health and spiritual coping that will improve mothers' mental health so that mothers can effectively cope with the difficulties they experience.

Implementing Spiritual Care in the Pediatric Complex Care Clinic

A project integrated a Clinical Pastoral Education Fellow into a clinic designed to treat children with medical complexity (CMC). The integration of a chaplain into the care team fulfilled the goal of increasing accessibility to spiritual care through a quality improvement project and seemed to positively affect patients and the interdisciplinary team itself. These efforts demonstrate the need for research to better understand the relationship between spiritual screenings, interventions, and outcomes for CMC patients.

A Qualitative Study of the Spiritual Aspects of Parenting a Child with Down Syndrome

Parenting a child with Down syndrome can sometimes present certain difficulties and, thus, spirituality may function as a dimension related to finding meaning in life and as a coping resource. Spirituality is a critical dimension of nursing care, but scarce knowledge is available to specifically inform family nursing practice. The aim of this study was to explore the spiritual aspects of parenting a child with Down syndrome, as a qualitative secondary analysis. This is an observational qualitative study, based on in-depth interviews from 42 participants. Data analysis found seven categories that concern meaning and purpose in life: hope, family strength, spiritual practices, personal beliefs, and love, and trust in healthcare providers. Spirituality is a resource in parents’ lives who are living in this situation. Nurses should consider this dimension in supporting families and in improving management of this life and health condition.

Relationship of Gratitude and Coping Styles with Depression in Caregivers of Children with Special Needs

This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational study aiming to reveal the relationship of gratitude and coping styles with depression in caregivers of children with special needs. As a result of the study, which was conducted with 330 caregivers, it was determined that the caregivers' level of gratitude was high. In this study, it was found that the caregivers used mostly turning to religion, planning, positive reinterpretation, and instrumental social support as coping styles respectively. It was established that there was a significant correlation between caregivers' depression level and gender, education level, level of gratitude, focus on and venting of emotions, substance use, behavioural disengagement, positive reinterpretation, using emotional social support and planning coping styles. The depression disclosure level was found to be 17.8%. For holistic nursing care, the assessment of spiritual care and spiritual needs of caregivers is very important because of its positive effect on mental health.

Determination of burnout, life satisfaction, and stress coping styles of parents with disabled children

PURPOSE

This study determined problems, fatigue, life satisfaction, family stress, and coping strategies of families who had a disabled child and the relationships between them.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted with 191 parents of children with disabilities.

FINDINGS

As the life satisfaction of childcare providers increased, their emotional exhaustion decreased and sense of personal accomplishment increased (p < 0.05).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

It is necessary that nurses and health team members should provide regular and continuous education for burnout, life satisfaction, family stress and coping styles to parents of disabled children using interactive education techniques and group interactions.