Contribution of Benson's Relaxation Technique and Brief Psycho-Educational Intervention on Quality of Life of Primary Caregivers of Iranian Children with Chronic Diseases

摘要

Abstract Background Chronic diseases leave a significant effect on not only the afflicted children but also their parents. Chronic diseases in children may also influence their parents' or primary caregivers' quality of life (QoL). Objective To determine the effectiveness of a Brief Psycho-educational Intervention (BPI) and Benson's Relaxation Technique (BRT) on the QoL of primary caregivers of children with chronic diseases. Methods The present quasi-experimental pre-test post-test design was conducted on 100 parents with children who had one chronic disease (50 in each of the control and intervention groups) and were admitted to two state-run pediatric hospitals in Tehran, Iran in 2014. The primary caregivers' QoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire before (T1) and four weeks after the intervention (T2). The training was done in four 60–70 minute sessions over one week with a 4-week follow-up. Paired t -test, independent t -test, chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze the data. Results On average, large effect sizes (ES ≥ 0.80) were observed after interventions in SF-36 subscales that measured the effect of emotional roles. Small (0.20–0.49) to moderate (0.50–0.79) ESs were found in subscales measuring physical functioning, physical-role, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning and mental health. General health scores remained relatively unchanged at T2. Conclusion These results suggested that BPI and BRT were effective strategies to improve the QoL of primary caregivers. Furthermore, interventions with low cost, and good safety and outcome could improve the QoL of primary caregivers of children with chronic diseases. Highlights ? All QoL indicators among PCCCDs showed lower rates than the norm for Iranians. ? The QoL among PCCCDs was affected, and they mostly were suffering from role limitations due to ensuing emotional problems. ? The intervention was significant improvement in the scores of Emotional Role, Mental Health, and Vitality' subscales. ? Contribution BPI and BRT improving the psychological aspects of the QoL in PCCCDs. ? Contribution BPI and BRT improving the ‘Physical Role' and 'Physical Functioning' aspects of QoL in PCCCDs.