The relationship between affiliate stigma, stress, and quality of life for parents of individuals with cerebral palsy in Malaysia

Objective: To examine the relationship between affiliate stigma, stress, and perceived quality of life among parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Surveys (Study 1) and semi-structured interviews (Study 2) were used to collect data. Thirty-eight respondents completed the Affiliate Stigma Scale (ASS), Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), and Care-related Quality of Life (CarerQol) scales (GMFCS). Eleven respondents took part in semi-structured interviews, which were then thematically evaluated. Results: Parents did not feel stigmatized because they had a child with CP. However, parents needed some form of short-term relief from caregiving. After controlling for demographics, high stress respondents experienced high affiliate stigma whereas low stress respondents had better quality of life. Although the respondents with less stigma had a better quality of life, this effect was moderate. Three major themes emerged from the interviews. Conclusion: Counseling, support groups, and helper services should be offered to parents. Also, healthcare professionals participating in CP rehabilitation, community-based rehabilitation, and health institutions should be educated on how to better help parents of children with CP.