BACKGROUND
The number of children requiring daily medical care is on the rise, with many being cared for at home. This situation places a significant burden on mothers, who often serve as the primary caregivers.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify the relationship between the caregiving burden and quality of life of mothers of children requiring home medical care; and to identify factors influencing the quality of life of these mothers.
METHODS
A questionnaire survey was conducted among mothers of children needing medical care at home, with 46 participants responding. The questionnaire included items regarding the child's condition, the mother's situation, caregiving burden, and the WHOQOL-26 scale.
RESULTS
A weak negative correlation (r = -0.4912, p < 0.01) was observed between the WHOQOL-26 and caregiving burden scales. Factors influencing the quality of life of mothers included whether the child attended daycare or school (β = 0.274, p < 0.05), the duration of home care duration (β = 0.305, p < 0.05), and the presence or absence of position changes (β = 0.41, p < 0.001). The presence or absence of position changes had the most significant impact (Adjusted R2 = 0.327).
CONCLUSIONS
There is a weak negative correlation between the WHOQOL-26 and caregiving burden scales. The most significant factor affecting the quality of life of mothers of children requiring home medical care is the presence or absence of positional changes. Support aimed at enhancing the quality of life of these mothers is anticipated.