Analysis of the burden of mothers of children with disabilities during the pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The image of the mother is usually related to the care of children with disabilities, and during the pandemic, with the need for social isolation, there was a change in the routine and burden of mothers because of child care. Objectives: To evaluate the burden of mothers with children with disabilities during the pandemic. Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, quantitative and descriptive study conducted at the school clinic of a private college, where children with disabilities are assisted by physiotherapy. Socioeconomic information, work activities were collected and the Zarit scale was evaluated to assess the burden of mothers. Results: The mean age of the mothers was 34 years, most mothers were single, had only their child with disabilities, high schooling and did not work outside the home. The caregiver burden was evaluated by the Zarit scale had an average of 28.8 points, considered severe. Conclusion: The burden of mothers with children with disabilities during the pandemic was considered severe, a situation very common because these women are the main responsible for children with disabilities.