Positive and Negative Impacts on Caregivers of Children with Intellectual Disability in India

Authors

  • G.S. Adithyan School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
  • M, Sivakami Centre for Health and Social Sciences, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
  • John Jacob Dept. of Family Medicine, Christian Fellowship Hospital, Tamil Nadu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5463/dcid.v28i2.595

Keywords:

Intellectual disability, children, parents, impacts, caregivers, strategies

Abstract

Purpose: The factor integral to the empowerment of children with intellectual disability is the presence and active involvement of support mechanisms such as their family and their caregivers. This study assesses both positive and negative impacts on parents/caregivers of children with intellectual disability in Oddanchatram block of Dindigul District in Tamil Nadu, India.

Method: Mixed method techniques (quantitative and qualitative) were used.

Results: Although many disturbing realities in the family situation were revealed, there were also positive impacts which were a hopeful sign.

Conclusion: Empowering the caregivers of children with intellectual disability is the first step towards inclusion of these special children in society. Various strategies to achieve this goal are discussed in the study. 

Author Biographies

G.S. Adithyan, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai

Dr. Adithyan G.S is a MPH graduate from School of Health Systems Studies (SHSS), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai and had worked as a Research Assistant in TISS for one year. Recently, he joined the National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu as a State Consultant. His key areas of interests are health systems strengthening and health of marginalized communities.

M, Sivakami, Centre for Health and Social Sciences, School of Health Systems Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai

Muthusamy Sivakami is  a Professor and Chairperson in the Center for Health and Social Sciences (CHSS), School of Health Systems Studies (SHSS), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. She broadly works in the areas of Demography, Gender and Health. She holds a Ph.D in Population Studies. She was trained as a quantitative researcher and has vast experience in conducting large scale surveys like GATS, NFHS and DLHS. Over a period of time, she has also gained experience in conducting qualitative research studies. Her current research uses a mixed methods approach. She has published widely in peer reviewed national and international journals.

John Jacob, Dept. of Family Medicine, Christian Fellowship Hospital, Tamil Nadu

Dr. John Jacob DNB is currently the Senior Consultant in Department of Family Medicine, Christian Fellowship Hospital, Oddanchatram, Tamil Nadu, India. Currently, he focuses on family medicine training, adolescent health and early identification of children with disabilities. 

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Published

2017-08-22

How to Cite

1.
Adithyan G, Sivakami M, Jacob J. Positive and Negative Impacts on Caregivers of Children with Intellectual Disability in India. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2017 Aug. 22 [cited 2024 May 14];28(2):74-9. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/261

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 2 (2017): Summer 2017

Section

Original Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2017 The Author(s)

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