Comparison of the Quality of Life of Mentally and Physically Disabled Children and Their Healthy Siblings

Abstract

Purpose: It is known that the health-related quality of life of children with neurological problems is adversely affected. But these problems also have a negative impact on the whole family. This study was conducted to examine the quality of life of children with mental and physical disabilities and their healthy siblings. Material and Methods: 82 children with mental and physical disabilities between the ages of 2-18 and their healthy siblings were included in the study. The sociodemographic data of the participants were recorded. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory was used to measure health-related quality of life, and the Gross Motor Function Classification System was used to evaluate the gross motor functions of children with disabilities. Results: 82 (48 boys, 34 girls) mentally and physically disabled children with a mean age of 9.87±5.06 years and 82 (34 boys, 48 girls) healthy siblings with a mean age of 12.68±3.65 were included in the study. When the quality of life of mentally and physically disabled children was examined, it was seen that there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the quality of life of the healthy siblings of mentally and physically disabled children (p>0.05). Discussion: It was observed that the quality of life of healthy siblings of mentally and physically disabled children was similarly affected. It should not be forgotten that the quality of life of their families and healthy siblings will also be adversely affected during the treatment process of disabled children.