An Assessment of Caregiver Burnout and Quality of Care Given to Children with Intellectual Disability Disorder: A Case of Lwanya Special School, Busia, Kenya.

Abstract

Caregiver burnout and its impact on the quality of care provided to children with Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) is a critical issue that warrants investigation. This study aims to assess caregiver burnout and the quality of care given to children with IDD attending Lwanya Special School in Busia, Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to provide insights into the prevalence of caregiver burnout, its relationship with the quality of care, and potential strategies for mitigating burnout and enhancing care. Caring for a child with IDD can be a rewarding yet demanding experience, often leading to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion among caregivers. This state of burnout can have serious consequences for both the caregiver's well-being and the quality of care received by the child. The study employed a cross-sectional design with a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires and structured interviews to collect data from a sample of caregivers with children attending Lwanya Special School. Standardized tools like Zarit Burden and Quality-of-Care Questionnaire assessed the caregiver burden and quality of care amongst caregivers respectively. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as thematic analysis for qualitative data. The study revealed high caregiver burnout (82.8%) and stress (60%) among predominantly middle-aged, female caregivers of children with IDD, significantly impacting their social lives (90%) and perceived care quality (41.4% rated it "Poor"). Key findings include strong correlations between higher education and increased burnout (r = .79) yet better care quality (r = .74), while older caregivers showed lower burnout (r = -.21) and higher care quality (r = .89). Despite burnout, many caregivers maintained adequate care standards, though the demands highlight a critical need for targeted support. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of interventions and support systems for caregivers of children with IDD, ultimately improving the well-being of both caregivers and the children they serve. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly adhered to throughout the study.