Abstract
Introduction:
The increase in longevity has also been occurring with people with intellectual disabilities, since until recently they had a small life expectancy, a challenge for the family, for society, for educators, and for all involved.
Objective:
To describe the sociodemographic profile and quality of life of caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities in a small city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Method:
Transversal and census study, with quantitative approach. Two instruments were used: the first one, designed to survey the caregivers’ profile, and the WHOQOL-Bref, to analyze the quality of life.
Results:
Fifty-five caregivers participated in the study, with a mean age of 51.56 years, with a prevalence of 41-60 year olds (57.33%). The majority (82.66%) were women (61.33% - mothers). The level of schooling was 62.66%, with incomplete primary education, and the monthly family income 52.94%, between one and two minimum wages. In terms of quality of life, the highest average scores were related to the social domain (M = 68.8, SD = 12.5) and environmental (M = 60.9, DP = 11.3).
Conclusion:
This study revealed that people with intellectual disabilities, from the small municipality studied, are mostly cared for family members with low schooling and income, who presented higher quality of life indexes than those studies carried out with caregivers of other social and economic realities.
Keywords:
Caregivers; Intellectual Disability; Family; Quality of Life