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<p>Family caregivers of children with disabilities in Uttarakhand’s remote, resource-limited villages face numerous sociocultural barriers that intensify their struggles and negatively impact their mental health. While caregiving challenges are well-documented globally, there is a scarcity of research addressing the unique hurdles faced by caregivers in India’s mountainous Himalayan regions. This study seeks to lay a foundation for understanding the unique challenges faced by caregivers in such settings in order to advocate for government policies and develop effective support systems and interventions. The participants included 10 family caregivers who have been living with a child with a disability for 6&#xa0;months or more and are residents of the selected population. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews (40–45&#xa0;min each) and focus group discussions (involving three to four participants), conducted in a confidential and supportive setting. Data analysis utilized inductive thematic analysis with ATLAS.ti software to interpret key themes. The six key themes which emerged were financial challenges, stigma, social isolation, belief in supernatural causes of disability, concerns about the child’s safety, and fear of future uncertainty. Findings highlight the urgent need for government policies to alleviate financial and emotional burdens on caregivers. Culturally sensitive education initiatives are essential to address superstitions and promote acceptance of children with disabilities. This study also emphasised the need for strength-based interventions to foster resilient caregiving frameworks. Future research should focus on developing culturally and contextually relevant strategies to enhance the well-being of caregivers in resource-limited settings.</p>

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The Invisible Struggles of Caregivers of Children with Disabilities in the Villages of the Garhwal Himalayas

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月30日

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  • Binu Thomas,
  • Tito Cherian

摘要

Family caregivers of children with disabilities in Uttarakhand’s remote, resource-limited villages face numerous sociocultural barriers that intensify their struggles and negatively impact their mental health. While caregiving challenges are well-documented globally, there is a scarcity of research addressing the unique hurdles faced by caregivers in India’s mountainous Himalayan regions. This study seeks to lay a foundation for understanding the unique challenges faced by caregivers in such settings in order to advocate for government policies and develop effective support systems and interventions. The participants included 10 family caregivers who have been living with a child with a disability for 6 months or more and are residents of the selected population. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews (40–45 min each) and focus group discussions (involving three to four participants), conducted in a confidential and supportive setting. Data analysis utilized inductive thematic analysis with ATLAS.ti software to interpret key themes. The six key themes which emerged were financial challenges, stigma, social isolation, belief in supernatural causes of disability, concerns about the child’s safety, and fear of future uncertainty. Findings highlight the urgent need for government policies to alleviate financial and emotional burdens on caregivers. Culturally sensitive education initiatives are essential to address superstitions and promote acceptance of children with disabilities. This study also emphasised the need for strength-based interventions to foster resilient caregiving frameworks. Future research should focus on developing culturally and contextually relevant strategies to enhance the well-being of caregivers in resource-limited settings.