Psychosocial burden and quality of life in parents of children with anorectal malformation

AIM: To assess the psychosocial burden and quality of life in parents of children with anorectal malformation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted in a tertiary care specialty hospital. Sample consisted of 50 parents (care givers), having children with anorectal malformation in the age group of 0-14 years. Data were collected through a semi structured interview with the care givers, using Zarit Burden Interview for assessing extent of burden and WHOQOL-BREF for assessing different aspects of quality of life. Statistical analysis used: frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviations were calculated for analyzing the data. RESULTS: The study reveals greater psychosocial burden and poor quality of life, in terms of the psychological and environmental aspects as compared to the physical and social aspects, among the care givers. CONCLUSIONS: The study found increased psychosocial burden and negative impact on the quality of life of parents, which varies with the stages of management and proper continuous counseling is recommended.