Navigating the complexities of care: exploring quality of life among parents-caregivers of children with neurological impairments in Bulgaria

ABSTRACT

This study delves into the quality of life (QoL) experiences of parents caring for children with neurological impairments in Bulgaria. Employing the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on parents of neurologically impaired children (n = 52) and parents of healthy children (n = 43). The study uncovers the intricate interplay of physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions that contribute to caregivers’ well-being. Despite the challenges parents of neurologically impaired children face, including the delicate balance between caregiving and employment, financial strains, and the need for culturally sensitive support services, they demonstrate remarkable adaptive capacities. The findings advocate for a multifaceted approach in addressing the challenges to improve the overall QoL for parents nurturing children with disabilities in Bulgaria.

KEYWORDS:

• Parents-caregivers
• children with neurological impairments
• Bulgaria
• quality of life

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the families for participating in the study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data from this research study are not available for sharing due to ethical approval requirements. Researchers interested in collaboration should contact the corresponding author with their expression of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the European Union-NextGenerationEU, through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Bulgaria, project No. BG-RRP-2.004-0009-C02.

Notes on contributors

Silviya Pavlova Nikolova

Silviya Pavlova Nikolova is an Associate Professor at the Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria, and a former Fulbright scholar. Her research work has focused on disability, social inequalities and international development.

Albena Toneva

Aleban Toneva is an Assistant Professor at the Medical University of Varna. Her research centres on neurodevelopmental disorders in institutionalized children, aiming to improve their healthcare and quality of life.

Eusebius Small

Eusebius Small is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, and a former Fulbright scholar. His research is centred around HIV epidemiology, prevention, and implementation, utilizing a cultural perspective to analyze the impact of social structures on disease.

Rouzha Pancheva

Rouzha Pancheva is a distinguished Professor at the Medical University of Varna, renowned for her ground-breaking research on the feeding practices for children with neurodevelopmental delays, striving to optimize their nutritional care and development.

Pavlina Peneva

Pavlina Peneva is an Associate Professor at the Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria, renowned for her dedicated research on pulmonary infections and innovative treatment strategies, aiming to advance the understanding and management of respiratory diseases.

Bonita B. Sharma

Bonita B. Sharma is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, specializing in gender studies, sustainability, community and global health, as well as global social work. Her research spans these interdisciplinary areas, aiming to address complex societal challenges and promote holistic well-being.