Abstract:
Dystonia, a word that is unusual and unfamiliar for many, is a disorder that is
understudied in the medical world. There exists a specific type of Dystonia that is
endemic to the Philippines yet many are unaware and uninformed, leaving the patients
and their families to deal with the debilitating disorder, the difficult situation, and the
social discrimination on their own. This study focused on the analysis of the coping
strategies of female caregivers of patients with X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism (XDP).
The purpose of the study was to determine the level of coping skills of the female
caregivers and identify the coping strategy they use based on their attitude towards
themselves, the patient, and others. It also aimed to investigate the psycho-social stigma
attached to the disorder and its effects on the female caregivers as perceived by the
respondents. Thirty female caregivers, specifically wives, mothers, and sisters of XDP
patients from selected areas in Metro Manila, participated in the study. The researcher
used both quantitative and qualitative methods in conducting the research. A survey
questionnaire was designed and distributed to the respondents to determine their level of
coping, and the type of coping strategy used in their caregiving functions. Key informant
interviews were likewise conducted with five of the thirty respondents to further
investigate the individual perception and effects of the psycho-social stigma attached to
the disorder. Descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis were performed to
analyze the data gathered.
The results revealed that female caregivers residing in Metro Manila had high
coping skills when taken as a group, as shown in their high mean scores in all three
attitude domains in the scale. In addition, the data indicated that the most commonly used coping strategy was emotion-focused coping wherein the respondents reported that they
manage their feelings and maintain affective equilibrium.
Furthermore, the respondents had a low level of perception with regards to the
psycho-social stigma of XDP. The female caregivers did not perceive the stigma, and did
not feel being discriminated by society. Consequently, their responses to the statements
and questions showed that the stigma did not affect them in their caregiving functions, as
they did not perceive themselves as stigmatized.
