Health-related quality of life of preschool caregivers in Hong Kong.

The aim of this study was to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of preschool caregivers in Hong Kong with a view to informing policy-makers about health promotion within this population. The following research questions were addressed: (i) What was the HRQOL of young children's caregivers in Hong Kong? (ii) Were there differences between these caregivers' health and the general Hong Kong population's health? (iii) What demographic factors were related to these caregivers' quality of life? Mixed methods research, including quantitative and qualitative tools, was utilized. Data from a study consisted of a survey of 834 preschool caregivers along with 3 in-depth interviews with employees of kindergarten-cum-childcare centres from different socio-economic groups within the city of Hong Kong. An HRQOL questionnaire (the SF-36 v. 1), together with demographic characteristics and illness/disease incidence data, were collected. The results suggested that the Hong Kong preschool caregivers had a substantially poorer HRQOL than Hong Kong's general population. The analysis found that young caregivers and caregivers with young families had a significantly lower HRQOL than more senior caregivers. They tended to feel tired, lacked energy and failed to perform vigorous activities. Significant differences were also found according to the caregivers' socio-economic status. Health and education policy-makers should note that young children's caregivers are in a serious state of ill health. Further health education and promotion efforts should target this population.