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Health challenges faced by parents of children with disabilities: a scoping review

BMC Pediatrics volume 24, Article number: 619 (2024) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Parenting a child with disabilities can feel isolating and overwhelming. Understanding the health challenges of parents with disabled children is essential for providing effective healthcare. This study aims to offer a comprehensive view of the health challenges faced by these parents by synthesizing existing literature from various perspectives.

Method

This scoping review conducted using the JBI scoping review method. Searches were performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases spanning from 2014 to 2024. The initial search yielded 388 articles, with 24 articles undergoing qualitative assessment and data analysis via narrative synthesis.

Results

From the 24 selected articles, three health challenges were identified: physical, emotional, and social health challenges.

Conclusion

Parents of children with disabilities face intricate health challenges, including physical challenges like fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and sleep issues. Additionally, they experience significant emotional strain, with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. Social isolation and stigma further compound these challenges. A collaborative approach involving healthcare professionals, policymakers, and support organizations can empower parents to thrive in their caregiving roles.

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Introduction

The journey of parenting is a profound experience marked by love, joy, and challenges. However, for parents raising children with disabilities, the complexities of caregiving are magnified, impacting their physical, emotional, and social well-being [1–2].

Disability is a multifaceted concept encompassing a range of physical, intellectual, developmental, and mental health conditions that impact an individual’s functioning and participation in daily life. Parental health, in the context of caregiving for disabled children, refers to the physical, emotional, and social well-being of parents as they navigate the challenges and responsibilities associated with caring for their child [3–4].

Caring for a child with a disability presents unique challenges for families, often requiring substantial adjustments in their daily lives and can have various effects on their health [5].

The health challenges that families with disabled children faced are complex, varied and multifaceted issue and can have a significant impact on the family’s financial, emotional, and social well-being that requires attention from healthcare providers, policymakers, and society as a whole [6–7]. The stress of caring for a child with a disability can also lead to depression, anxiety, and marital conflict [8,9,10].

Research has shown that families with disabled children encounter numerous healthcare-related challenges, including accessing appropriate medical care due to inadequate insurance coverage, limited availability of specialized care, and high out-of-pocket costs [11], managing the financial costs of treatment, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. These challenges not only affect the well-being of parents but also have implications for the overall family dynamics and the quality of care provided to the disabled child. Moreover, the healthcare needs of children with disabilities are often intertwined with their social, emotional, and educational needs, which can further complicate the situation. Therefore, it is essential to understand the health challenges of families with disabled children and their healthcare needs and develop effective interventions to address these needs [6].

The healthcare needs of families with disabled children encompass a wide range of medical, psychological, and social support services [12]. These needs are further complicated by the financial burden, emotional stress, and time commitment associated with caring for a disabled child. Understanding and addressing these complex needs is crucial for providing comprehensive and effective healthcare for both the disabled child and their family [13].

Given the multifaceted nature of the healthcare needs of parents with disabled children, it is imperative to examine the existing literature and evidence-based practices in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges they face. By identifying the specific health challenges of these families, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers can develop targeted interventions and support services to address these needs effectively. Only two reviews have examined the challenges faced by families with disabled children, both of which are old, and the study by Neely-Barnes, etal( 2008) is a simple review that did not examine all dimensions of health [14] and the focus of the Piškur etal( 2012) was not on evaluating the parents’ health [15] and the meta-analysis that investigated adverse health in parents of children with disabilities [16] only examined stress index’s health sub-domain in these people. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive view of the health challenges faced by parents of disabled children by synthesizing existing literature from diverse disciplinary perspectives.

Methods

This study is a scoping review of the health challenges of parents with disabled children based on the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group’s methodological guidance [17] and the Prisma extension for scoping review (PRISMA-ScR) [18]. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched from January 2014 to February 2024 for English or Persian peer-reviewed articles that were relevant to the research question using qualitative or quantitative, or mixed methods approaches. Review articles also included in the study. However, we did not include various other types of publications, such as research protocols, commentaries, editorials, book chapters, conference abstracts, and other gray literatures. Articles that only addressed the health challenges of disabled children, or focused on other challenges, or studied parents with disabilities or studied the family health challenges during disasters or covid 19 situation were considered as exclusion criteria.

In order to explore the research question “What are the health challenges of parents with disabled children?“, the PECOT (Population, Exposure, Comparisons, Outcome and Time/type of study) method was utilized:

Population: Parents raising children with disabilities.

Exposure: child diagnosed with disabilities.

Comparisons: Parents of children without disabilities.

Outcomes: Health challenges faced by parents of children with disabilities (e.g., mental health, physical health, social well-being, etc.).

Time: January 2014 to February 2024.

Type of Study: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies and review articles.

Based on the PECOT elements, these search terms were used:

Population (P): parent* (parents, caregiver, mothers, fathers, parent-carer*) Or child* (children) Or disabilit* (disability, disabilities, Vision Disabilities, Mobility Disabilities, Auditory Disabilities, Neurological Disabilities, Cognitive Disabilities, Medical Disabilities, Psychological Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities) Or Impairment.

Outcome (O): health* (health, health challenges, well-being), physical health* (physical health, physical problems), mental health* (mental health, stress, anxiety, depression), social health* (social health, social isolation), burden* (burden of care, caregiver burden), quality of life*. We use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to combine our search terms effectively.

These terms were intentionally broad to ensure that a wide range of relevant articles were included and to ensure that the research team captured a wider range of findings, in accordance with the JBI Scoping Review Methodology.

All articles were screened based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria using the article title, and abstract. Concerns about eligibility for inclusion were addressed by reviewing the full texts in accordance with the methodological approach.

The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used for the quality assessment of the articles [19].

Two researchers (S.S and M.T) independently reviewed the articles for relevance and quality. In case of disagreement, the articles were reviewed by a third researcher (J.S). The final selection was 24 articles out of a total of 388 articles (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

PRISMA-SCR flow diagram

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From the included studies, the title, authors, design, objectives, description of participants and results were extracted. (Table 1) Due to the diversity in study design, interventions, and outcome measures, the researchers analyzed the data narratively. The narrative synthesis method was employed to address the review question, evaluating various review papers, quantitative studies, and qualitative investigations. According to Popay et al. [20], this method involves formulating a theory of how the intervention works, synthesizing findings, exploring their relationships, and assessing their strength. It primarily relies on textual analysis to review and integrate results from multiple studies in alignment with the scoping review’s objectives.

Table 1 Relevant studies summary
Full size table

Results

Description of studies

The database search identified a total of 388 potentially relevant articles. After screening titles and abstracts, 50 potentially relevant articles were identified. All 50 articles were assessed at full-text level, resulting in 24 relevant articles for analysis.

Most of the articles that met the inclusion criteria were carried out in Australia [21,22,23,24,25] and the United States [26,27,28,29,30]. The results of the studies were analyzed based on the countries studied (European, African, Asian, American, and Australian countries). The results indicated no differences among the findings in the various countries. Twelve articles were quantitative studies [10, 22–23, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 16], nine were qualitative studies [7, 24–25, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41]. One article utilized a mixed methods approach [21], and two were review articles [9, 26]. (Table 1). All articles are of good quality. A total of 24 studies involving 1,717,852 parents have been included in this review. The reviewed studies consist of 3 on parents of children with developmental disabilities [29, 33, 41], 3 on parents of children with physical and intellectual disabilities [16–36, 38], 2 on parents of children with medical disabilities [27–28], 1 on parents of children with intellectual disabilities [39], 1 on parents of children with auditory disabilities [34], and others that cover parents of children with all types of disabilities (not specified) (7–10,16, 21–22, 24–25, 31–32, 35, 37, 40).

Analysis of the studies

Results were categorized into three main groups: physical, emotional, and social health challenges (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Findings based on narrative synthesis

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Physical health challenges

This theme is about parents’ illnesses or impairments that are related to the care of their child with a disability and that affect the parents’ physical well-being or ability to function optimally. Among the 24 studies reviewed, 10 highlighted the challenges faced by parents in maintaining good physical health while caring for their disabled child [10, 21, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 36–37].

One of the most common physical health challenges reported by parents in studies was poor physical health, often due to the stress and demands of caregiving [27, 31, 36–37]. Muscle, bone, and joint pain or deterioration were reported in several studies, highlighting the physical toll of long-term caregiving Parents experienced head and musculoskeletal pain, which could be attributed to the physical strain of caregiving tasks, such as lifting and maneuvering their child [32–33, 36].

Constant physical fatigue was another issue reported among parents. The demands of caregiving, coupled with emotional and mental stress, often left parents feeling exhausted and drained, affecting their ability to engage in daily activities [28, 33, 36].

Migraines were a significant concern for some parents, with studies indicating that the stress and emotional burden of caregiving could trigger or exacerbate migraine episodes [32, 36]. Insomnia and sleep problems were also reported, likely due to the overwhelming responsibilities and worries associated with caring for a disabled child [10, 29, 32].

Conditions such as hypertension and high blood pressure were also reported, possibly linked to chronic stress and lack of self-care opportunities for parents. Diabetes and nutritional issues were additional challenges faced by some parents, often exacerbated by the demands of caregiving and limited time for proper meal planning and self-care. Physical abuse and self-harm were alarming findings, suggesting that the stress and emotional strain of caregiving could lead to harmful coping mechanisms among some parents [36]. Overall, the severity of activity limitations due to physical health issues was a common theme, with many parents expressing frustration at being too tired to do the things they liked or needed to do, further impacting their overall well-being [21].

The use of contraception and hysterectomy were also discussed due to fear of deformities in future children and lack of time and money to have more children, further complicating their physical health challenges [36].

Emotional health challenges

This theme refers to difficulties or disruptions in parents’ emotional well-being and psychological resilience as a result of caring for their child with a disability. Of the 24 studies reviewed, 20 highlighted the profound emotional health challenges experienced by parents in this context [7, 10, 26, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 16, 36, 38–39].

Depressive symptoms, including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low mood, were common among parents caring for children with disabilities. These symptoms often coincided with lower levels of mental health and increased levels of anxiety, creating a complex emotional burden for parents. Parents reported experiencing worry, sadness, and stress in their lives, and worried about what the future held for their child and themselves. Many felt frustrated, helpless, and hopeless in their caregiving role, leading to feelings of anger and ongoing stress symptoms [10, 21–22, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38].

Cognitive problems, such as difficulty remembering and concentrating on tasks, were also reported, likely due to the emotional burden of caregiving and concern for their child’s well-being [28].

The need for mental health support was a recurring finding in all 20 studies, as parents struggled with emotional disturbance, psychological distress, and anxiety about the future [7, 10, 26, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 16, 36, 38–39].

Some reported suicidal ideation, including thoughts of harming their disabled child, highlighting the extreme psychological distress experienced by some parents [22, 39]. Parents faced the emotional burden of awaiting the death of their child, compounded by fears of public assault and morbid feelings. Despite the development of coping strategies, many parents continued to experience an increased perceived caregiving burden and struggled with feelings of guilt and blame for their child’s condition. Fear of social shaming and intense chronic sorrow added to the emotional challenges, making it difficult for parents to openly discuss their problems and needs with others, including health care professionals [23, 31, 16–36, 38].

Furthermore, the emotional issues were exacerbated by limited access to services for their children, let alone adequate support for their own psychological issues. This led to higher mental health service utilization and costs, as parents sought ways to manage their emotional well-being amidst challenging circumstances [39].

Social health challenges

Social health challenges refer to difficulties or barriers that parents of children with disabilities face in maintaining positive social interactions, relationships, and overall well-being in society. Of the 24 studies reviewed, 10 highlighted the social health challenges experienced by these parents [10, 21, 25, 33, 16–36, 39, 40–41].

Parents reported increased perceived stigma associated with having a child with a disability, resulting in low participation in social activities. Many parents felt socially isolated and marginalized, particularly when faced with financial strain and social isolation due to the demands of caregiving. Parents often had to avoid public exposure and be constantly on call for their child’s needs, which further limited their access to health services. They also experienced stigma and discrimination from society, which affected their ability to participate in health-promoting activities and to relax [21, 25, 28, 36, 39,40,41].

The economic and non-economic costs of caregiving contributed to the socioeconomic disadvantage of some parents, leading them to seek health care less frequently and to develop negative attitudes toward divorce, possibly due to the added complexity and responsibility of their situation [16, 33].

Feelings of being kicked out of society slowly and permanently were prevalent among parents, especially as they felt compelled to give the leading role in the family to the husband, leading to a lack of understanding of their family situation by others [41].

Despite these challenges, parents expressed desperation to prove others wrong about the value of their child and defy fatalistic attitudes. They also felt apprehensive about the marriage prospects of their special needs children, concerned about potential challenges and societal perceptions [36].

Mood swings and erratic outbursts were common among parents, reflecting the emotional turmoil and stress they experienced. However, some parents also reported experiences of cohesion within their support networks and a strong need for support from their communities and healthcare providers [10, 36].

Discussion

Parenting children with disability can be particularly challenging, especially when children have complex conditions. Parents may struggle to manage their child’s health and their own emotions, leading to poorer health outcomes for the family. This scoping review has shed light on the complex and multifaceted health challenges faced by parents raising children with disabilities. By synthesizing findings from 24 studies, we identified a significant burden experienced across physical, emotional, and social domains. The review included parents of children with a broad spectrum of disabilities.

The study supports the biopsychosocial model of health [42], which emphasizes the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social factors in health outcomes. The findings highlight the physical health problems (biological), emotional challenges (psychological), and social difficulties (social) faced by parents caring for children with disabilities. The findings are also consistent with caregiver strain theory [43], which suggests that the demands of caregiving can lead to physical, emotional, and social problems for caregivers. The findings describe the physical strain, emotional exhaustion, and social isolation experienced by parents.

The review is consistent with existing research [7, 10, 16, 21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41] that highlights the toll that caregiving can take on parents’ physical well-being. Fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and sleep problems emerged as prominent concerns, likely due to the physical demands and chronic stress associated with caring for a child with a disability. Our findings also underscore the profound emotional impact of caregiving. Depressive symptoms, anxiety, hopelessness, and feelings of isolation were common among parents. The review highlights the significant social challenges that parents face. Social stigma, marginalization, and limited social interaction were consistently reported. These challenges may be exacerbated by feelings of guilt, social isolation, and limited access to support networks or health services. It’s important to note that these challenges can interact to create a vicious cycle. Chronic stress can exacerbate social isolation, which can make self-care even more difficult, leading to further emotional and physical challenges.

While the review is consistent with existing literature on specific challenges [7, 10, 16, 21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41], it does so with a broader scope that includes physical, emotional, and social dimensions. This holistic perspective provides a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted health burden experienced by parents.

The findings of this review have important implications for health care providers, policy makers, and support organizations. Recognizing the multifaceted health challenges experienced by parents is an important first step. Health care providers should be encouraged to screen for physical and mental health problems during routine check-ups. Policymakers could allocate resources to support services that address parents’ specific needs, such as affordable child care and mental health services. Support organizations could develop programs that promote social connections and provide education on coping mechanisms.

This scoping review provides valuable insights into health challenges of parents of children with disabilities and highlights the need for further research and tailored interventions.

By recognizing the multifaceted health challenges and addressing parents’ needs through targeted interventions, we can create a more supportive environment that empowers parents to raise their children with disabilities and promotes their own well-being. Further research is needed to identify and evaluate effective interventions to improve the health and well-being of these dedicated parents.

It is crucial to support parents of children with disabilities for their well-being. Parent Training Programs help parents develop skills and problem-solving approaches. Contextually-Appropriate and Culturally-Sensitive Interventions tailor interventions to the socio-economic settings and cultural context of the parents, train local community workers, and involve other parents with children with disabilities using community resources to provide parent training and support interventions. Positive, Proactive Approaches include resources, strategies, and evidence-based practices that support parents, educators, and families in meeting requirements and enhancing their health.

Limitations

The studies in this review included parents of children with a wide range of disabilities. The impact on parents may vary depending on the type and severity of the disability. In addition, exploring the coping mechanisms used by parents and the role of support networks may provide valuable insights and need to be evaluated in further studies.

This study covered and analyzed the articles of the last 10 years from 4 databases. Although it is approved by the JBI Scoping Reviews method, expanding the time frame and combining additional databases can increase the investigation of factors affecting the health of parents with disabled children.

Conclusion

This scoping review highlights the complex health challenges experienced by parents of children with disabilities. The findings highlight the physical toll of caregiving, with parents reporting fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and sleep problems. These problems are likely due to the constant demands of caregiving and chronic stress. In addition, the report highlights the significant emotional toll on parents. Symptoms of depression, anxiety and hopelessness were common, highlighting the need for comprehensive mental health support. Social isolation and stigma were also identified as key challenges, potentially leading to feelings of marginalization and hindering access to health services. By promoting a collaborative approach involving healthcare professionals, policymakers and support organizations, we can create a more supportive environment that empowers parents to thrive in their caregiving roles.

Data availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

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Acknowledgements

This research is the outcome of a project at the Tarbiat Modares University and Health Metrics Research Center, Institute for Health Sciences Research, ACECR. We appreciate the staff of Tarbiat Modares University and ACECR.

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There is no specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or non -for- profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

    Shadab Shahali

  2. Health Metrics Research Center, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, ACECR, Tehran, Iran

    Mahmoud Tavousi, Jila Sadighi, Ramin Mozafari Kermani & Rahele Rostami

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  1. Shadab Shahali
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Contributions

S.S and M.T reviewed texts, designed research, collected and organized data, analyzed data, and prepared the article draft; they corrected the final version of the article. J.S, R.M.K, and R.R performed data analysis, collaborated on compiling the final report, reviewed the article, and corrected and approved its final version.

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Correspondence to Shadab Shahali.

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Shahali, S., Tavousi, M., Sadighi, J. et al. Health challenges faced by parents of children with disabilities: a scoping review. BMC Pediatr 24, 619 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-024-05104-3

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Keywords

BMC Pediatrics

ISSN: 1471-2431

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