Abstract
Background: Home care for children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID) is challenging for parents because it is highly intensive and long-lasting. The pursuit of happiness is an essential goal for everyone. However, only a few studies have focused on the happiness of families with such children.
Objective: The study aimed to examine the subjective happiness of parents of children with SMID receiving home care and identify the factors associated with their happiness.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online questionnaire-based survey of 23 parents of children with SMID and nurses with children without disabilities as controls at Tottori University Hospital, Yonago, Japan from July 1 to August 31, 2023. We set the subjective happiness scale (SHS) scores as the outcomes. We used the Mann-Whitney U test to compare the SHS scores between the two groups. Moreover, we extracted the clinical and demographic factors affecting the SHS scores of parents of children with SMID using univariate linear regression analysis.
Results: We obtained responses from 12 parents with SMID and 105 controls. The average SHS scores of parents with SMID and controls were 4.8 and 4.7, respectively, and both groups did not differ significantly. Univariate analysis showed that parental male sex and the presence of a tracheostomy were negatively associated with the SHS scores of parents.
Conclusions: The SHS scores did not differ significantly between parents with SMID and controls. However, more attention seemed necessary for fathers and parents of children who have undergone tracheostomies. Given the exploratory nature of this study and its small sample size, larger-scale investigations are warranted. Additionally, qualitative research conducted after establishing trustful relationships could provide further insights.
Keywords: motor disabilities, permanent tracheostomy, subjective happiness, intellectual disability (id), psychological care, parental sex
Introduction
Happiness is a subjective emotion measured by the degree to which a person feels satisfied with their life [1,2]. A person's sense of happiness has widespread implications for their ability to function in all aspects of life. Happier people respond better to crises and do not dwell on negative emotions or self-blame. They are more flexible and do not give up on their set goals [3].
In general, parents of children with disabilities tend to report higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to the average population [4,5]. However, several studies have documented that raising a child with special needs can indeed positively impact the family framework [6] and enhance parental relationships by fostering greater cooperation [7]. This sense of teamwork certainly strengthens spousal bonds [6,7]. Therefore, it cannot be definitively asserted that the mental well-being of parents raising children with disabilities is universally low.
Severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID) are a heterogeneous group of disorders that include profound physical or mental disabilities [8]. Children with such disorders require permanent human and technical assistance throughout their lives due to various severe disabilities and multiple comorbidities [9]. Many children suffer from physical difficulties with food ingestion, which necessitates gastrointestinal tube feeding and causes gastroesophageal reflux, leading to chronic respiratory disorders and recurrent pneumonia [10]. Raising these children at home may prove challenging for parents because the caring task is highly intensive and long-lasting [11]. Caregivers have reported deteriorating health status, financial difficulties, restrictions in social participation, and physical overload [9,11-13]. The pursuit of happiness is an essential goal for everyone [14]; however, only a few studies have focused on happiness among families of children with SMID. Understanding the happiness of parents of children with SMID enables the provision of support and effective policy programs to enhance their happiness. For instance, in France, a study investigated the quality of life (QoL) of healthcare professionals involved in the care of children with SMID; the study identified income and age as factors influencing QoL and suggested improvements in workplace settings [15].
This study aimed to examine the happiness of home-caring parents of children with SMID. The primary outcome was the difference in the subjective happiness scale (SHS) scores in these parents compared to the scores of parents of children without SMID. The secondary outcomes were the clinical factors that influenced the SHS scores among parents of children with SMID.
Materials and methods
Participants and procedures
As of 2021, there were 139 individuals with SMID in the Tottori Prefecture [16]. The Department of Pediatric Neurology at the Tottori University School of Medicine's affiliated hospital provides support for home-based medical care [17]. We introduced our study to parents of children with SMID with a history of outpatient visits to our hospital by handing out flyers about this research. In order to assess the happiness of home-caring parents of children with SMID, we recruited nurses who had children without disabilities at our hospital as controls using posters placed at the hospital. We conducted a cross-sectional online questionnaire-based survey from July 1, 2023, to August 31, 2023. The survey was available online, and parents of children with SMID and the recruited nurses accessed and answered it through a QR code. Participation in this study was voluntary, and information was collected anonymously after obtaining consent from each respondent to ensure confidentiality throughout data collection. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Tottori University Hospital (approval number: 23A025) on May 19, 2023.
SHS
The SHS is designed to measure an individual's subjective sense of happiness [18]. This scale comprises four questions that prompt participants to assess the extent to which they perceive themselves as happy compared to others. The SHS consists of the following four items, which are rated on a 7-point Likert-type scale: Item 1: ‘‘In general, I consider myself: (1) not a very happy person, (7) a very happy person’’; Item 2: ‘‘Compared to most of my peers, I consider myself: (1) less happy, (7) more happy’’; Item 3: ‘‘Some people are generally very happy. They enjoy life regardless of what is going on, getting the most out of everything. To what extent does this characterization describe you? (1) not at all, (7) a great deal’’; and Item 4: ‘‘Some people are generally not very happy. Although they are not depressed, they never seem as happy as they might be. To what extent does this characterization describe you? (1) not at all, (7) a great deal.’’ Item 4 is “reverse coded” with a descending sequence. Each participant's score is calculated by averaging their responses, with higher scores indicating a greater level of happiness. Recently, the SHS has been translated into Japanese, and it showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.82) and test-retest reliability over five months (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.86) [19]. We obtained permission to use the Japanese version of the SHS from its creators, Shimai et al. [19].
Data collection
We collected information through a questionnaire, including participants' gender, age, and annual income. We inquired about the frequency of airway suctioning, enemas, and repositioning and the time taken for a single meal in parents with children with SMID. In addition, we collected data on the number of family members assisting in care besides the respondent, the burden of care (ranging from 1 for "not at all burdensome" to 5 for "extremely burdensome"), and satisfaction with social resources and economic situation (ranging from 1 for "not satisfied at all" to 5 for "extremely satisfied"). Furthermore, we obtained information from medical records regarding the Oshima classification, the presence of a tracheostomy, and the method of enteral nutrition.
Statistical analysis
We compared the data between parents with children with disabilities and controls. We compared categorical variables using Fisher's exact test. In contrast, ordinal or continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. We assessed the association between the clinical factors and SHS scores of parents using univariate linear regression analysis. Statistical significance for all analyses was set at p < 0.05, and instances of 0.05 ≤ p < 0.10 were considered as trends. Multivariate analysis was not performed due to sample size limitations and the study’s exploratory nature. Data analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 25.0, Armonk, NY).
Results
We obtained responses from 12 parents with children with disabilities (response rate: 52.2%) and 105 controls. Table 1 shows the participants’ characteristics. In the parents of children with SMID, the age distribution was as follows: two (16.7%) were aged 30-39 years; five (41.7%), 40-49 years; two (16.7%), 50-59 years; and three (25.0%), 60-69 years. Ten (83.3%) parents were women. Annual income was as follows: four (33.3%) were <4,000,000 yen/year, three (25.0%) were 4,000,000 to 5,999,000 yen/year, and one (8.3%) were ≥6,000,000 yen/year. In the parents of children without disabilities, the age distribution was as follows: 38 (36.2%) were aged 30-39 years; 42 (40.0%), 40-49 years; 22 (21.0%), 50-59 years; and three (2.8%), 60-69 years. A total of 98 (93.3%) parents were women. Annual income was as follows: 17 (16.2%) were <4,000,000 yen/year, 54 (51.5%) were 4,000,000 to 5,999,000 yen/year, and 18 (17.1%) were ≥6,000,000 yen/year. When age and annual income were treated as a continuous variable with four and three levels respectively, the Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.063 and p = 0.10, respectively). In Fisher's exact test, there was no significant difference in gender between the two groups (p = 0.23).
Table 1. Parental background characteristics.
SMID: severe motor and intellectual disability
| Background of parents | Parents of children with SMID | Controls | p-value | |||
| n = 12 | n = 105 | |||||
| Age (years) | 30-39 | 2 (16.7%) | 38 (36.2%) | 0.063 | ||
| 40-49 | 5 (41.7%) | 42 (40.0%) | ||||
| 50-59 | 2 (16.7%) | 22 (21.0%) | ||||
| 60-69 | 3 (25.0%) | 3 (2.8%) | ||||
| Sex | Male | 2 (16.7%) | 7 (6.7%) | 0.23 | ||
| Female | 10 (83.3%) | 98 (93.3%) | ||||
| Annual income (103 yen/year) | <4000 | 4 (33.3%) | 17 (16.2%) | 0.1 | ||
| 4000 to 5999 | 3 (25.0%) | 54 (51.5%) | ||||
| ≥6000 | 1 (8.3%) | 18 (17.1%) | ||||
| No answer | 4 (33.3%) | 16 (15.2%) | ||||
Table 2 shows the characteristics of the children with disabilities. The average age was 17.9 (±11.9) years. We categorized 11 (91.7%) patients as class 1 as per the Oshima classification. Tracheostomy was performed in seven (58.3%) patients and a gastrostomy tube was placed in 10 (83.3%) patients. Notably, three (25%) patients required airway suctioning ≥10 times daily, whereas seven (58.3%) required repositioning at least thrice a day.
Table 2. Clinical characteristics of children with SMID.
SMID: severe motor and intellectual disability; SD: standard deviation
| Characteristics of children with SMID (n = 12) | n (%) | |
| Mean (±SD) | ||
| Age (years) | 17.9 (±11.9) | |
| Sex | Male | 5 (41.7%) |
| Severity (Oshima classification) | 1 | 11 (91.7%) |
| 2 | 1 (8.3%) | |
| 3 | 0 (0%) | |
| 4 | 0 (0%) | |
| Tracheostomy | Yes | 7 (58.3%) |
| Enteral nutrition | Yes | 12 (100%) |
| Gastrostomy | Yes | 10 (83.3%) |
| Frequency of airway suction care | Unnecessary | 3 (25.0%) |
| 1-4 times per day | 4 (33.3%) | |
| 5-9 times per day | 2 (16.7%) | |
| >9 times per day | 3 (25.0%) | |
| Frequency of enema care | Unnecessary | 2 (16.7%) |
| 1 time per day | 8 (66.7%) | |
| 2 times per day | 1 (8.3%) | |
| >2 times per day | 1 (8.3%) | |
| Time required for one meal | <30 minutes | 6 (50.0%) |
| 30-120 minutes | 5 (41.7%) | |
| 121-300 minutes | 1 (8.3%) | |
| Frequency of repositioning care | Unnecessary | 1 (8.3%) |
| 1-2 times per day | 4 (33.3%) | |
| >2 times per day | 7 (58.3%) | |
| Number of family members assisting in care besides the respondent | 0 | 1 (9.1%) |
| 1 | 5 (45.5%) | |
| 2 | 3 (27.2%) | |
| >2 | 2 (18.2%) | |
| No answer | 1 (9.1%) | |
| Burden of care | 2.8 (±1.2) | |
| Satisfaction with social resources | 4.1 (±0.9) | |
| Satisfaction with economic situation | 2.5 (±0.85) | |
Comparison of SHS scores
The overall Cronbach's α reliability coefficient was 0.75 in our study. The average total SHS score of parents with children with SMID was 4.8 (±1.1), whereas that in the controls was 4.7 (±0.9), with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.45) (Figure 1). The average scores for items 1, 2, and 3 of the SHS were 4.8 (±1.6), 4.3 (±1.8), and 3.9 (±1.6) for parents of children with SMID and 4.9 (±1.2), 4.7 (±1.1), and 4.3 (±1.2) for the control group, with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.38, 0.92 and 0.74, respectively). However, the average score for item 4 of the SHS score was 5.5 (±1.3) for parents of children with SMID and 4.7 (±1.3) for the control group, with a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.033).
Figure 1. Comparison of subjective happiness scale scores.
SMID: severe motor and intellectual disabilities
Factors affecting the SHS scores of parents of children with SMID
Regarding parental characteristics (Table 3), univariate regression analysis showed a negative association between parental male sex and the SHS scores (regression coefficient (B), -1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), -3.4, -0.19; p = 0.032). Moreover, the annual income was positively associated with the SHS scores (B, 0.71; 95% CI, -0.017, 1.4; p = 0.054). Regarding children’s characteristics, univariate regression analysis showed that the presence of a tracheostomy was negatively associated with the SHS scores (B, -1.4; 95% CI, -2.6, -0.16; p = 0.030). In addition, there was a trend showing that age was negatively associated with the SHS scores (B, -0.055; 95% CI, -0.11, 0.00081; p = 0.053).
Table 3. Univariate simple linear regression analysis to identify clinical factors associated with the SHS scores of parents of children with SMID.
SHS: subjective happiness scale; SMID: severe motor and intellectual disability; B: regression coefficient; CI: confidence interval; * p < 0.1; ** p < 0.05
| Clinical factors | B | 95% CI | p-value | |
| Characteristics of parents | ||||
| Age | -0.37 | -1.1 | 0.32 | 0.26 |
| Sex (0=female, 1=male) | -1.8 | -3.4 | -0.19 | 0.032** |
| Annual income | 0.71 | -0.017 | 1.4 | 0.054* |
| Number of family members assisting in care besides the respondent | 0.18 | -0.73 | 1.1 | 0.67 |
| Burden of care | 0.1 | -0.56 | 0.75 | 0.76 |
| Satisfaction with social resources | -0.34 | -1.2 | 0.52 | 0.4 |
| Satisfaction with economic situation | 0.38 | -0.68 | 1.5 | 0.43 |
| Characteristics of children | ||||
| Age | -0.055 | -0.11 | 0.0008 | 0.053* |
| Sex (0=female, 1=male) | -0.69 | -2.2 | 0.79 | 0.32 |
| Tracheostomy (0=no, 1=yes) | -1.4 | -2.6 | -0.16 | 0.030** |
| Gastrostomy (0=no, 1=yes) | -1.2 | -3.1 | 0.67 | 0.18 |
| Frequency of airway suction care | -0.39 | -1.02 | 0.24 | 0.2 |
| Frequency of enema care | -0.036 | -1.04 | 1 | 0.94 |
| Time required for one meal | -0.76 | -1.8 | 0.3 | 0.14 |
| Frequency of repositioning care | -0.35 | -1.5 | 0.81 | 0.52 |
Discussion
We conducted an exploratory study on the subjective happiness of parents with children with SMID. The results showed no significant difference in happiness between such parents and controls. However, the parental male sex and the presence of a tracheostomy in the child were negatively associated with the SHS scores. In addition, there was a trend showing that parental income had a positive correlation, whereas the child's age correlated negatively with the SHS scores of such parents.
The happiness levels of these parents did not differ significantly from those of the control group. Our results did not align with previous reports showing low psychological QoL among parents of children with severe disabilities [9,13]. In contrast, parents of children with disabilities, while experiencing suffering and sorrow, also reported feelings of strength, joy, hope, and love in previous studies [20]. Notably, some reports have indicated that parents gain a sense of accomplishment, become better individuals, and feel that they have done their best for their children [21]. In addition, some reports assert that children with disabilities often serve as sources of happiness [22,23]. Findler et al. insist that it is essential for parents of children with disabilities to pursue happiness and for society to provide support in this pursuit [2]. Therefore, society and healthcare professionals should continually support the needs of such parents.
Fathers of children with disabilities had lower levels of happiness than mothers. Davis et al. conducted a psychological study on parents of children with cerebral palsy. They found that mothers often experienced guilt and may lean towards overprotectiveness, becoming deeply engrossed in an intense relationship with the child. In contrast, fathers tend to adopt a broader perspective, focusing on the well-being of the entire family, paying attention to the needs of their other children, and working towards reestablishing a sense of normalcy in the family's functioning [24]. Mothers often present with their children during routine outpatient visits, allowing healthcare professionals to understand their needs better. However, fathers who are unable to attend these visits because of work or other reasons may also bear the pressure of supporting the family, and healthcare professionals may need to consider the concerns of such fathers about psychological well-being, especially regarding their family functioning.
Lower QoL among parents of children who have undergone tracheostomy has been reported [25-27], and our study supports this finding. Tracheostomies are artificial airways for patients whose natural airway patency or safety is compromised or for those who require prolonged support with ventilation or secretion clearance [25,26]. However, parents face significant challenges and are daunted by the responsibilities associated with caring for a child with a tracheostomy [25,26]. Adapting to these responsibilities places a substantial burden on caregivers, affecting their lifestyle and family dynamics [26]. Therefore, clinicians should consider the substantial psychosocial impact on parents [27]. Constant psychosocial support may be required, particularly for families with children who have undergone tracheostomies.
This study had some limitations. First, due to the small sample size, our study has insufficient replicability and did not adequately address confounding factors. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to compare the SHS scores of parents of children with SMID to those of a general population and to identify factors associated with the SHS scores, making it a valuable contribution to the literature. Building on this exploratory study, it is hoped that larger-scale investigations will be conducted in the future. Second, the data for this study were derived from self-report scales, which are affected by the method’s bias. For instance, there is a possibility that parents of children with SMID may have scored higher on the SHS due to social desirability bias [28], aiming to present themselves in a more favorable light to others. Therefore, to mitigate this bias, it is considered useful to establish a trustful relationship between researchers and participants to encourage honest responses. Similarly, a qualitative research approach may be considered for future study. Third, the validity of the control group may limit the generalization of findings. We selected nurses with children without disabilities as our control group. Happiness among healthcare professionals is influenced by both personal and organizational factors [29]. In a large-scale study examining the SHS score of over 2,000 Japanese adults aged ≥20 years, the average SHS score across all ages was 4.2 [30]. Therefore, not only did parents with children with SMID show higher SHS values, but the control group also demonstrated SHS values higher than that of the average Japanese population. While caution is warranted regarding the validity of the control group, this finding suggests that the happiness of parents of children with SMID may not necessarily be lower.
Conclusions
We conducted an exploratory study on the subjective happiness of parents of children with SMID. The SHS scores in such parents did not differ significantly from those in controls. Nevertheless, it is crucial for society and healthcare professionals to support parents of children with SMID in pursuing happiness, especially fathers of children with SMID and parents of children who have undergone tracheostomies. It would be valuable to conduct a large-scale survey study with the general population as a control group, building upon the findings of this study to investigate the happiness levels of parents of children with SMID. Additionally, qualitative research conducted after establishing trustful relationships could provide further insights.
Acknowledgments
We gratefully acknowledge all the families and nurses in the Tottori University Hospital who participated in this study. We thank Editage for the English-language editing of the manuscript.
Disclosures
Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee of the Tottori University Hospital issued approval 23A025.
Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue.
Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following:
Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work.
Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work.
Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.
Author Contributions
Concept and design: Yuto Arai, Tohru Okanishi
Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: Yuto Arai, Ryuki Kadekaru, Akiko Tamasaki, Yoshihiro Maegaki
Drafting of the manuscript: Yuto Arai
Critical review of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Yuto Arai, Ryuki Kadekaru, Tohru Okanishi, Akiko Tamasaki, Yoshihiro Maegaki
Supervision: Yuto Arai, Yoshihiro Maegaki
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