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Family quality of life for families of children with disabilities in African contexts: a scoping review

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Abstract

Background

Family Quality of Life (FQOL) is an important outcome for families of children with disabilities and is influenced by context and culture. Minimal research explores FQOL in African contexts.

Purpose

This scoping review identifies factors contributing to FQOL for families of children with disabilities in African contexts.

Method

We were guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework, searching for research papers from the following electronic databases: CINAHL, Embase, Medline, Global Health, and PsycINFO. Using pre-determined eligibility criteria, two authors independently reviewed articles for inclusion via Covidence, a reference manager that facilitates blind reviewing. Two other authors independently extracted data from studies using a data-charting form based on Zuna and colleagues’ FQOL framework. Reviewers met regularly for discussion to reach consensus.

Results

Fifty-three articles met the inclusion criteria, and findings demonstrated a broad variety of factors contributing to FQOL within the FQOL framework related to family unit factors, individual member factors, and external support factors. We found that poverty, stigma, and spirituality were particularly prominent factors affecting FQOL negatively and positively in African contexts.

Conclusion

Whilst there are universal factors that contribute to FQOL, recognising the influence of context-specific factors (i.e. poverty, stigma, spirituality) is important in order to provide effective, culturally relevant support that enhances FQOL for families of children with disabilities in African contexts.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to sincerely thank the Queen’s University Health Sciences librarian, Ms. Paola Durando for all of her time and support in assisting us with database searches for this review.

Funding

The first author receives funding for her Ph.D. from a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship program from Universities Canada, Rideau Hall Foundations, and Community Foundations Canada (2018–2021). However, the funders had no influence on the research process, writing, or publication.

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  1. School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada

    Julia Jansen-van Vuuren, Reshma Parvin Nuri, Ansha Nega, Beata Batorowicz, Rosemary Lysaght & Heather Michelle Aldersey

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Jansen-van Vuuren, J., Nuri, R.P., Nega, A. et al. Family quality of life for families of children with disabilities in African contexts: a scoping review. Qual Life Res 31, 1289–1307 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-021-02994-z

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