Effectiveness of a stress-relief initiative for primary caregivers of adolescents with intellectual disability

Background This study provides a perspective on the mental health status and analyses the effectiveness of a stress-relief program for primary caregivers of adolescents with intellectual disability (ID). Method Seventy-seven primary caregivers of people with ID were recruited (intervention group, n = 31; non-intervention group, n = 46) to the study, which involved participation in one stress management workshop (intervention group only) and both groups reading an education booklet on stress management. Results We found that 22.1% of caregivers in the study were at high risk of depressive stress and in need of mental health consultation; this prevalence was nearly six times that of the general population. The effectiveness of mental health initiatives resulted in a significant reduction in depressive stress for the intervention group. Conclusions The study highlights that a "face-to-face" workshop is an effective way to decrease levels of depressive stress.