Caregiving occupations, health and well-being of Chinese mothers of children with disabilities living in Australia, Singapore and Taiwan

Abstract

Introduction: Mothers of children with disabilities report increased maternal stress, compromised mental health and reduced leisure and social participation compared with other mothers. The aim of the study was to explore the similarities and differences between three groups of Chinese mothers of children with disabilities in their caregiving occupations and selected maternal variables. Methods: An online survey collected mothers’ demography, caregiving occupations and six maternal measures: frequency in participation in health promoting activities, mental well-being, personal well-being, psychological distress, perceived support and perceived stigma. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to investigate group similarities and differences, and detect associations between variables. Results: The survey responses of Chinese mothers (N = 261) from Australia (n = 80), Singapore (n = 95) and Taiwan (n = 86) were analysed. Similarities and differences in caregiving occupations were found between groups. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed no differences in maternal variables between groups. There were associations found between some caregiving occupations and maternal variables when mothers were analysed as a single group. Conclusion: The health and well-being of mothers of children with disabilities may be influenced more by their cultural similarities than differences in their socio-political environments. Recognising cultural influences on caregiving occupations is crucial in the delivery of culturally competent and culturally intelligent practice.