Parenting Challenges for Children with Down Syndrome and the Role of Social Support: A Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58258/gxf7ja15Abstract
Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by trisomy of chromosome 21 that affects children's physical, cognitive, and health development throughout their lifespan. This condition requires complex, long-term monitoring and care, which may generate parenting stress, particularly for mothers as the primary caregivers. This literature review was conducted to examine the relationship between social support and parenting stress among parents of children with Down Syndrome based on published scientific literature. A narrative review method was applied to relevant journal articles, books, and clinical guidelines concerning Down Syndrome, parenting stress, and social support. The review found that children's clinical characteristics, the need for continuous medical care, and the psychosocial burden accompanying the care of children with DS contribute to elevated parental stress. Social support from family, friends, and professionals was shown to act as a protective factor that reduces this stress. Strengthening social support networks should become part of nursing and public health interventions for families of children with Down Syndrome to improve parents' psychological well-being and the quality of childcare.References
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