The Level of Social Support Perceived by the Parents of Children with Intellectually Disabled in Kozhikode District of Kerala, India

Abstract

Background: Intellectual disability was recognised in ancient Indian literature, but organised services have a history of just five decades. India shares many features of low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries regarding intellectual disability. Objectives: This study attempts to analyze the social support available among parents of children with intellectual disabilities and compare the perceived social support level between fathers and mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. Methodology: Primary data was gathered through a field survey, which was conducted during December 2019 to February 2020, and secondary data was collected from research papers, books, and internet websites etc. The interview schedule was used for the study prepared by the research scholar and supervisor. Both, the qualitative and quantitative method has been used during the data collection. Out of 370 respondents, 148 were selected through the purposive sampling technique. Results: The result shows that the majority of the respondents (37.2%) perceived a higher level of social support. In the study area, the majority of the respondents
were found to have perceived informal social support from family members, neighbours, through awareness programmes, guidance and other form of support from parents of same children. The study also reveals that the mothers and fathers perceived the same level of social supportl. Conclusion: So, the parents' perceived social support in their environment is satisfied and makes it easy to manage stress. Suggestion: The parents should need to perceive formal social support also.