Effect of Life Skill Training on Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Children with Behavioral Disorders: A Study Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health related issues in children are the alarming health problems of the younger generation; below 15 years of age represent approximately one third of the world's population and 5 to 15% of them are crippled with behavioural disorders. The emotional and behavioural issues range from 6.33% to 43.1% in Indian setting. Childhood behavioural disorders like ADHD, CD and ODD not only impacted their development it has impact on the family caregivers’ quality of life in day to day life.

Aims: To determine the level of quality of life before administration of life skill training among caregivers and find out the effect of life skill training on quality of life among caregivers.

Materials and methods: This trial was interventional in nature, the current investigation was a parallel group trial with repeated measurement, randomized and prospective in design. Caregivers: Parents who are in charge of raising children with behavioural issues are referred to as caregivers. Four domains of life skill training administered in sessions among 24 participants and outcome variable measured by PedSQL Family Impact module.

Result: In Experimental Group, the mean Health Related quality of life score (20 items) (mean± S.D.) of patients was 63.69± 8.505. In Control group, the mean Health Related quality of life score (20 items) (mean± s.d.) of patients was 63.39± 7.442.Distribution of mean Health Related quality of life score (20 items) with Group was not statistically significant (p=0.721). Whereas the changes of mean between experimental and control group is statistically significant in all three post intervention at 0.01 and 0.001 level.

Conclusion: Selective life skill training for caregivers of children with behavioural disorders positively impacts their quality of life by enhancing coping mechanisms, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being. Integrating such interventions into existing support systems may contribute to better outcomes for caregivers.