Quality of Life and Demands for the Welfare of the Parents with Children in Special School in Goyang City

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the level of quality of life, life satisfaction, depression and demands of parents with children in special school. METHOD: Data were collected through a questionnaire answered by 152 parents whose children were enrolled in four special schools in Goyang City. The quality of life (QOL), life domain satisfaction measure (LDSM), Beck depression inventory (BDI) and the demand for rehabilitation and welfare service were obtained. RESULTS: The average score of QOL was less than 50 and the mental health component in particular was the lowest of all. The average score of LDSM was 3.9+/-0.9, and most notably the score regarding economic status resulted to be the lowest. The average score of BDI was 13.4. The general health screening and medical service related needs of the parents with disabled children were most significant, including the need for the expansion of welfare facilities for disabled people. CONCLUSION: In order to provide better rehabilitation service to disabled children, a policy which could decrease the physical and mental burden of parents with disabled children should be considered.