Mental Health Status of Parental Caregivers of Special Needs Children in Puducherry

Philip Felix Priya, Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Meena Ramanathan, Karthik Subramanium, Sukanto Sarkar, and Anandraj Lokeshmaran

Abstract

Background: Parental caregivers of children with special needs manage their child’s daily tasks, taking on responsibilities such as making health and financial decisions, assisting with routine activities, and ensuring their safety from self-harm. The level of a child’s disability determines the amount of time and effort a caregiver must invest, with higher disability levels meaning greater dependency and thus requiring greater support. While rewarding, caregiving may also be highly demanding. The parental caregiver’s physical and mental health can decline due to stress, potentially leading to anxiety and depression, and may worsen pre-existing conditions. This research aimed to provide insights into the psychological well-being of parental caregivers, shedding light on their challenges and needs for better support and intervention.

Methods: This study examined the psychological health of parental caregivers of special needs children at a special education school in Puducherry, India. Following an orientation program, 66 parental caregivers volunteered and provided informed consent to participate. The mean age of the parents was 38.4 years (±6.6). Demographic details were collected, and psychological parameters were assessed using standardized scales: Zarit Burden Interview–Caregiver Burden Scale (ZBI-CBS), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), World Health Organization Quality of Life—brief form (WHOQOL-BREF).

Results: The study findings revealed that most parents experienced caregiver burden and poor sleep quality, consistent with previous studies. Specifically, 93.9% of parents had poor sleep, while 84.8% reported caregiver burden. Additionally, 89.4% of the parents experienced depression, 89.4% have anxiety, and 86.4% have stress. Quality of life was low across all domains.

Conclusion: The stress of managing their child’s needs can negatively impact parental caregivers’ physical and psychological health. Providing counseling and promoting healthy lifestyle choices can significantly enhance caregivers’ overall well-being.

Rambam Maimonides Med J 2025;16(3):e0016