Burden and Stressors among Caregivers of Children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common cause of mental retardation and malformation in new born. It occurs because of the presence an extra chromosome. Down Syndrome (DS or DNS), also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is typically associated with physical growth delays, characteristic facial features and mild to moderate intellectual disability. The average IQ of a young adult with Down Syndrome is 50, equivalent to the mental ability of an 8- or 9-years-rold child, but this can vary widely. The parents of the affected individual are typically genetically normal. The extra chromosome occurs by chance. The possibility increases from less than 0.1% in 20 years-old mothers to 3% in those ages 45 years-old. There is no known behavioral activity or environmental factor that changes the possibility. Aim of the study: The present study aimed to assess burden and stressors among caregivers