Stress in informal caregivers of children with Down syndrome at a special education institution

Quille Ticona J.M.; Leiva Perez A.L.; Alvarado Chavez C.C.; Purizaca Curo R.M.; Huerta León J.R.; Joaquin J.S. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2026)

Resumen

Introduction: Informal caregiving for children with Down syndrome involves physical and emotional demands that may generate high levels of stress in caregivers, affecting both their well-being and the quality of care provided. Objective: To determine the stress level in informal caregivers of children with Down syndrome at a special education institution in Lima. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted. The population consisted of 109 caregivers, and a sample of 85 was selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The Zarit Burden Interview, validated in Latin American contexts, was applied. Data were processed using SPSS v.25 with descriptive statistics. Results: Most participants (51.8%) reported moderate stress levels, 44.7% showed low stress, and 3.5% high stress. In the caregiving impact dimension, low and moderate levels predominated (45.9% each), while 8.2% scored high. Regarding relationship quality, 69.4% showed a moderate level and 30.6% a low level. In the self-efficacy expectation dimension, the majority (85.9%) scored at the moderate level. Conclusions: Informal caregivers of children with Down syndrome in this institution mostly experienced moderate stress levels, highlighting the need to strengthen psychoeducational support and coping strategies aimed at improving caregiver well-being and care quality.

Instituciones: Universidad María Auxiliadora