Factors Influencing the Quality of Life for Caregivers of Individuals with Disabilities

Abstract

Caring for people with disabilities for a long time usually leads caregivers to health problems and minimizes their quality of life. This descriptive research aimed to examine the quality of life among caregivers of people with disabilities, the relationships between age, income, years of education, and number of persons with disabilities under their care and caregivers' quality of life, as well as to identify the predictive factors of their quality of life. The study was conducted in BanPong District, Ratchaburi Province. The sample consisted of 130 caregivers selected through multi-stage random sampling based on predetermined criteria. The research instruments included a general information record for persons with disabilities, a general information form for caregivers, and the WHO Quality of Life-BREF Thai version (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI), with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .84. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that the overall quality of life among caregivers was at a poor level (M=42.40, SD=9.65). Income was positively correlated with quality of life (r=.539, p<.001), whereas the number of persons with disabilities under care was negatively correlated (r=–.225, p<.01). Age, income, and number of persons with disabilities under care were significant predictors of caregivers’ quality of life, accounting for 34.6% of the variance (adjusted R²=.346, p<.001). These findings highlight the importance of promoting caregivers’ quality of life holistically, especially the older caregivers, including providing financial support, reducing caregiving burden, and fostering continuous development in all aspects of well-being.