2025 Volume 29 Issue 2 Pages 72-79
Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the factors influencing parental caregiving burden in caring for children with dysphagia.
Subjects and Methods: We administered an online questionnaire to family associations of patients with dysphagia to assess their caregiving burden. The results from 35 respondents whose children were under 19 years old were examined.
Results: All respondents were mothers, and 31 reported having challenges feeding their children. These challenges were categorized into three areas: food preparation, feeding assistance, and eating out. The specific challenges varied widely. Parental burden was classified into two categories: activity restrictions and negative feelings toward the children. Activity restrictions were significantly higher than negative feelings toward the children (p＜0.01). Activity restrictions showed a positive correlation with the child’s age (r＝0.40, p＝0.02) and a negative correlation with social support (r＝－0.40, p＝0.02). Negative feelings toward the children showed a negative correlation with economic status (r＝－0.38, p＝0.03).
Conclusion: Parents raising dysphagic children faced various challenges related to feeding. The results suggest a need for enhanced social support systems to reduce parental burden.
