Challenges of Polish families related to caring for a disabled child at home: a cross-sectional study

A family with a disabled child has major changes and challenges. The difficulties experienced by the whole family are of various natures and relate to emotional, psychological, caring, and financial problems. The aim of the study is to learn about the challenges and involvement of Polish families in caring for a disabled child in the home environment. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in a group of 103 parents of disabled children. The proprietary questionnaire and a standardized scale for the Generalized Self-Efficacy Survey (GSES) were used as a research tool. The material for the study was collected online, using Google Forms software, and statistically processed. Emotional contact with a disabled child turned out to be the most difficult aspect of care for almost half of the respondents (42.7%). The vast majority of respondents (75.7%) described the level of difficulty in caring for a disabled child as much higher than the level of difficulty in caring for a healthy child. Most parents (87%) spend between 10 and 20% of their family income on the treatment and rehabilitation of disabled children. A significant relationship was noted between the assessment of the family's economic situation and place of residence (χ²P = 27.32; p < 0.0001; Vc 0.51). Parents of children with disabilities who live in rural areas and have less education are less well off financially. The average GSES score was 24.54 and was in 4 sten. The biggest care challenge for parents of disabled children turned out to be emotional contact with the child. The GSES index for parents of children with disabilities is lower than the average values obtained in Polish studies, which translates into worse coping with problems.