Quality of life of mothers of children with intellectual disability : do social support, maternal stress and socio-economic status play a role?

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of perceived social support, maternal stress, and socio-economic status on the quality of life of mothers of children with intellectual disability in Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of 93 mothers of children with intellectual disability were respondents to a structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that perceived social support and socio-economic status had a significant positive relationship with the quality of life of mothers of children with intellectual disability. Results showed that the relationship between maternal stress and quality of life was both negative and significant. Moreover, the study revealed that perceived social support made the highest relative contribution to the quality of life of mothers, followed by socio-economic status, and with maternal stress having the least effect. Furthermore, the joint contribution of perceived social support, maternal stress, and socio-economic status on the quality of life of mothers was significant. These three variables should, therefore, be given proper consideration for the enhancement of the quality f life of mothers of children with intellectual disability