Mental health status and quality of life of people with disabilities in social isolation

Abstract

Introduction: at this critical moment of the COVID -19 pandemic, we observe the social withdrawal and the break from the routine of individuals in society, for people with disabilities who need adequate support and a routine of more intense and effective activities may feel a greater need for care and attention of family support for solving everyday problems. Objective: to identify factors associated with the impact of the pandemic on the quality of life of individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Methods: a virtual survey was carried out with parents and caregivers of people with disabilities to identify the main factors associated with the impact of the Pandemic on daily life and social relationships between family and community. Results: of the parents and caregivers we had access to and answered the questionnaire, 90% are residents of the ABC region of São Paulo. Their children and adolescents with disabilities are between 4 and 18 years old. The main scores of caregivers on difficulties in care during the pandemic, 70% felt helpless at some point, 17% had difficulties in performing self-care activities, 42% had anguish and fear during the period, 83% have the greatest responsibility for household decisions, and about 50% can share those decisions. Conclusion: the main complaints about the care of people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic are related to the feeling of fear and anguish that affects decision-making and family relationships, which influences self-care activities and mental health of this population.