Iranian Journal of Rehabilitation Research in Nursing

Introduction: First encounter with a disability is in the family environment and the quality of interactions and adaptation processes of the family can determine their quality of life. this study was conducted with aim of assessing quality of life and its associated factors in primary caregivers of children with physical disabilities under supervision of Welfare organization iran-Ilam. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was done in 2012,a sample size determined as 145 primary family caregivers of children with physical disabilities based on census approach in the city of Ilam. Data collection tool was demographic information questionnaire and quality of life questionnaire of WHOQOL-BREEF. For data analysis, SPSS v.16 software and descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Results: The results showed that the overall quality of life scores of family caregivers (39.16) is low, and they experienced a poor quality of life status in all four domains of physical health, mental health, social relationship and environmental health. Conclusion: research findings showed that these families are facing the challenges of care giving to their disabled children that has deteriorating effects on their health and quality of life. thus it is imperative that preventive and supportive programs and services be considered for these vulnerable families to improve their overall quality of life.