Resiliency and QOL: Pediatric Caregivers and the Impacts of COVID-19

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of covid-19 on resiliency of pediatric caregivers and investigate the factors that most impacted pediatric caregiver quality of life. This is a quantitative study using a survey consisting of demographic, resiliency, emotional well-being, and COVID-19 quantitative and descriptive questions.​ A Qualtrics survey for data collection was used to gather survey data. Participants were recruited for the study from outpatient pediatric facilities in a small mid-western state. ​Participants were caregivers of pediatric clients attending occupational therapy at the outpatient sites. There were a total of 8 pediatric caregivers who completed the anonymous survey. This is a quantitative study using a survey consisting of demographic, resiliency, emotional well-being, and COVID-19 quantitative and descriptive questions.​ Survey questions were adapted from previous instruments in addition to new instrument questions being created specific to the Covid-19 pandemic. Researchers used 4 questions from the Emotional Well-Being section of the Family Quality of Life Survey and 10 resiliency questions adapted from a previous research study. Researchers created 11 demographic questions and 2 Likert scale questions regarding COVID-19. Caregivers reported that COVID-19 challenged their resiliency and quality of life.​The results were not statistically significant in showing that pediatric caregivers living in rural areas had less resilience as compared to those living in urban areas. Results indicated that half of the participants reported dissatisfaction with the outside help that is available to them to take care of the needs of all the family members, and half of the caregivers felt as they do not have time to pursue interests of their own. The factors of lack of outside help and time for caregiver interest impact on the resiliency and quality of life of the caregiver. There is limited research examining resiliency and quality of life of pediatric caregivers, this research sought to add to this. Additional research is needed to determine factors that affect resiliency and quality of life in caregivers.