OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of anxiety and depression and the quality of life of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study with caregivers of children followed by two institutions: the Association of Parents and Friends of Exceptional Children (Apae) and the Association of Physically Disabled of Children of Alagoas (Adefal), in Maceió, Alagoas (Northeast Brazil). A total of 82 caregivers were enrolled and answered the following questionnaires: Hospital Scale of Anxiety and Depression and the SF-36 (Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey). Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, median, and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: The mean age of the caregivers was 32.4±10.3 years-old, ranging from 18 to 77. Anxiety was detected in 49% of the caregivers (95%CI 38 - 60), and depression in 31% (95%CI 22 - 42). In the SF-36, the most affected areas were: limitation by emotional aspects (score=56; 95%CI 46 - 65) and vitality (score=57; 95%CI 52 - 62). CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers presented high anxiety and depression values; they did not have a good quality of life, with special limitations in the "emotional aspects" and the "vitality" domains.
caregivers; cerebral palsy; anxiety; depression; quality of life
