Efeitos de uma intervenção interdisciplinar sobre o nível de sobrecarga e qualidade de vida em familiares cuidadores de crianças com deficiência neuromotora

Abstract

Introduction: A child with neuromotor deficiency shows a series of physical limitations which affect its functional abilities, needing so special attention from its family caregivers. The act of giving care implies modifications in the everyday activities of caregivers, a fact that may lead to physical and emotional overload, and also reverberate on their quality of life (QOL). Objective: To investigate the repercussions of an intervention of Physiotherapy and Psychology over the level of overload and QOL in family caregivers of children with neuromotor deficiency. Method: An intervention joint study with 32 caregivers of disabled children divided into two groups: experimental (subject to initial evaluation of overload by Burden Interview, QOL by Whoqol-Bref and interview; and also to the intervention of Physiotherapy and Psychology for a period of three months, twice a week during one hour) and control (subject only to initial and final evaluation with the same instruments). The quantitative analysis was conducted with all caregivers through the softwares STATA/SE 12.0 e Excel 2010, using statistical tests Qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher, Shapiro-Wilk, t Student, Mann-Whitney e Wilcoxon. Qualitative analysis was performed with five participants undergoing from a thematic content analysis of interviews, divided into three phases: registration of data related to the questions contained in the initial and final interview; identification of the most frequent themes in speeches of the participants; interpretation of reports and confrontation with literature. Results: After the intervention, the quantitative analysis revealed no statistically significant difference on the level of overload of caregivers, but when I compared the two groups was evidenced a significant improvement of the perception of QOL in experimental physical domains (p = 0.022), emotional (p = 0.043) and social (p = 0.004). In the analysis of the experimental group before and after the intervention, there was a significant reduction in perceived of QOL in the physical domain (p = 0.044) and maintenance or improvement in other areas. In the control group, there was a significant reduction of the perception of QOL in all areas (p = 0.021). In the qualitative analysis, the caregivers´ opinions showed that participation in the program helped with the reduction of stress and shyness, improvement of selfconfidence and social interaction, as well as more disposition for physical activities. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary intervention programs may improve the perception of caregivers´ QOL and maintain the level of overload, a fact that highlights the need of assistance to such population. With this interdisciplinary program, it was possible to realize a healthy interaction of Physiotherapy and psychology, complementing through simple activities with caregivers, promoting their physical and emotional health.