(PS5-99) Family Functioning and Quality of Life Among Caregivers Seeking Treatment for Their Child’s DGBI: Exploring the Relationship with Youth-related Pain Constructs

In order to provide targeted, evidence-based interventions, clinicians traditionally assess how youth are impacted by Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI). However, caregivers’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and family functioning can impact youth’s ability to adapt and cope with DGBI. Further, the adjustment of caregivers and the overall functioning of the family can be significantly influenced by the presence of chronic health conditions in their children. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic interplay between youth experiencing pain and the emotional burden shouldered by their caregivers (Calvano & Warschburger, 2022).

The PedsQL Family Impact Module (FIM) is a valid and reliable measure of caregiver’s perceptions of their own HRQOL and the impact of their child’s medical condition on family functioning. Assessing these constructs can enhance behavioral health interventions by offering valuable insights into the necessity for family-based approaches. Drawing upon both quantitative and qualitative research (e.g., Lynch et al., 2020; Bradshaw et al., 2022), this study examined the impact and burden of youth DGBI on caregiver adjustment and family functioning. In addition, regression analyses were employed to investigate the relationship between youth pain-related constructs and caregiver/family functioning.

In a sample of youth (n = 143; 8- to 18-years-old) who presented to a multidisciplinary DGBI program, this study explored the relationship between the PedsQL FIM scores and caregiver-reported constructs of the youth (functioning, abdominal pain, and pain catastrophizing). Preliminary analysis indicated no significant relationships between demographic factors (e.g., sex, age, race) and the outcome variables. Socioeconomic status was significantly correlated with caregiver HRQOL (r = 0.28, p < 0.01), but not the family functioning scale (r = 0.13, p = 0.14); as a result, it was controlled for in the HRQOL regression. 

The results revealed that, for caregiver HRQOL, youth pain catastrophizing and functioning were statistically significant predictors, but abdominal pain (frequency, intensity, and duration) was not, F(4, 109) = 18.75, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.408 (adjusted R2 = 0.386). For family functioning, youth pain catastrophizing, functioning, and abdominal pain (frequency, intensity, and duration) were each statistically significant predictors, F(3, 127) = 20.40, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.325 (adjusted R2 = 0.309).

Overall, this research suggests that poor functioning and pain catastrophizing in youth is uniquely and significantly correlated with caregivers HRQOL and family functioning, while youth abdominal pain (frequency, intensity, and duration) significantly predicted family functioning (but not caregiver HRQOL). In order to address the needs of the DGBI community, assessment of caregiver HRQOL and family functioning can inform innovative parent- and family-based interventions. In light of these findings, assessment of family and caregiver functioning can enhance treatment and better serve families.