Research Article

The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children with Special Needs: A Comparative Study

Number: 23 August 31, 2024
TR EN

The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children with Special Needs: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Aim: Caring needs of children with special needs increase the stress levels of caregivers for many reasons. The aim of this study was to examine, compare, and provide recommendations regarding the stress levels, factors influencing stress levels, and coping strategies among caregivers of both healthy and special needs children during disaster periods. Method: This research was planned as a cross-sectional study. The survey, which was created in an electronic environment, disseminated to as many people as possible across the country via e-mail, various communication networks, and social media. After the demographic information of 261 caregivers were recorded, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21, the Caregiver Strain Index, and the Ways of Coping Inventory Questionnaire were administered. Results: While the stress level was high (Mean±SD:7.67±3.98) in the caregivers of children with special needs, this level was within the normal limits (Mean±SD:6.44±3.61) in the caregivers of healthy children. There was a significant difference between the groups (p:0.009). In terms of coping with stress, caregivers of children with special needs were found to prefer emotion-focused/passive approaches, and there was a difference between the groups (p:0.000). Conclusion: The restrictive conditions during disaster period can impact the mental health of caregivers of special needs children, and there are several factors involved in this process. In line with this, we believe that specific policies and strategies need to be developed to support the mental health of caregivers of special needs children during extraordinary situations such as disaster scenarios.

Keywords

Project Number

Bulunmamaktadır.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Social Policy (Other), Social Determinants of Health, Physiotherapy

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

August 31, 2024

Publication Date

August 31, 2024

Submission Date

July 24, 2023

Acceptance Date

August 5, 2024

Published in Issue

Year 2024 Number: 23

APA
Erturan, S., Başaran, Z., Burak, M., & Elbasan, B. (2024). The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children with Special Needs: A Comparative Study. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences, 23, 811-831. https://doi.org/10.38079/igusabder.1331955
AMA
1.Erturan S, Başaran Z, Burak M, Elbasan B. The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children with Special Needs: A Comparative Study. IGUSABDER. 2024;(23):811-831. doi:10.38079/igusabder.1331955
Chicago
Erturan, Sinem, Zekiye Başaran, Mustafa Burak, and Bülent Elbasan. 2024. “The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children With Special Needs: A Comparative Study”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences, nos. 23: 811-31. https://doi.org/10.38079/igusabder.1331955.
EndNote
Erturan S, Başaran Z, Burak M, Elbasan B (August 1, 2024) The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children with Special Needs: A Comparative Study. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences 23 811–831.
IEEE
[1]S. Erturan, Z. Başaran, M. Burak, and B. Elbasan, “The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children with Special Needs: A Comparative Study”, IGUSABDER, no. 23, pp. 811–831, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.38079/igusabder.1331955.
ISNAD
Erturan, Sinem - Başaran, Zekiye - Burak, Mustafa - Elbasan, Bülent. “The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children With Special Needs: A Comparative Study”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences. 23 (August 1, 2024): 811-831. https://doi.org/10.38079/igusabder.1331955.
JAMA
1.Erturan S, Başaran Z, Burak M, Elbasan B. The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children with Special Needs: A Comparative Study. IGUSABDER. 2024;:811–831.
MLA
Erturan, Sinem, et al. “The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children With Special Needs: A Comparative Study”. Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences, no. 23, Aug. 2024, pp. 811-3, doi:10.38079/igusabder.1331955.
Vancouver
1.Sinem Erturan, Zekiye Başaran, Mustafa Burak, Bülent Elbasan. The Impact of Disasters on Stress Levels of Caregivers of Children with Special Needs: A Comparative Study. IGUSABDER. 2024 Aug. 1;(23):811-3. doi:10.38079/igusabder.1331955

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