Stress and Compliance With a Home Exercise Program Among Caregivers of Children With Disabilities.

Authors

Shari Rone-Adams, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Debra F. Stern, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Vicki Walker

Publication Title

Pediatric Physical Therapy

ISSN

0898-5669

Publication Date

1-2004

Keywords

Caregiver Stress, Children With Disabilities, Family Problems

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between caregiver stress and compliance with home programs in caregivers of children with disabilities.

METHODS: Sixty-six caregivers of children with disabilities responded to a mailed survey to determine their level of compliance with a prescribed home physical therapy program and the level of caregiver stress. Compliance was defined as the degree to which caregivers followed the prescribed frequency of the home program.

RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of the caregivers reported some level of noncompliance with their home program. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between the caregivers' level of noncompliance with the home program and the level of stress that they reported. Correlation coefficients showed a significant relationship between family problems and noncompliance with home programs. As caregiver and family problems increased, noncompliance with home programs increased.

CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers of children with disabilities experience stress that should be addressed by therapists to maximize compliance with home programs.

DOI

10.1097/01.PEP.0000136006.13449.DC

Volume

16

Issue

3

First Page

140

Last Page

148

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

NSUWorks Citation

Rone-Adams, Shari; Stern, Debra F.; and Walker, Vicki, "Stress and Compliance With a Home Exercise Program Among Caregivers of Children With Disabilities." (2004). Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles. 63.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_facarticles/63