Estudio de la calidad de vida en cuidadores familiares de personas con discapacidad intelectual

Objective. To explore the experiences and perceptions of quality of life (QoL) in family caregivers (FC) of people with intellectual disabilities (PID) in Morelos and Sinaloa, Mexico. Materials and methods. Qualitative study. Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted in FC of PID who attended basic public schools in Huitzilac, Morelos, and Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. Content analysis was performed with the support of the ATLAS.ti.8.0 program. Results. FC experience an affectation of their CV in different dimensions: emotional, physical and material well-being, personal development, self-determination and interpersonal relationships. The empathy and support generated with other FC make them feel good and relieve them of activities for short time lapses, reducing the load of care of PID. Conclusions. Caring for an PID can negatively affect the QoL of CF. It is suggested to develop and implement programs for care, support, and comprehensive guidance; likewise, create and strengthen mutual help groups with other caregivers.