Caregiving of offspring with intellectual developmental disabilities in Israeli Jewish and Arab households: Financial and psychosocial differences

Background: This research responds to the lack of evidence-based knowledge regarding the psychosocial and financial gaps among caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities living in Jewish and Arab households. It examines the financial gaps and explores whether caregivers’ social economic status and households’ affiliation (Jewish vs. Arab) can explain the psychosocial variables such as levels of stress, social participation types and rates, and use of public services. Method: One hundred and twenty-five Jewish and Arab caregivers completed an income and expenditure survey, including out-of-pocket expenditures, a services use survey, a questionnaire regarding resources and stress levels, and a social participation scale. Results: Arab households are more likely to have a low socioeconomic status (SES) than Jewish ones, characterized by lower per capita income, less spending, fewer out-of-pocket expenditures, and less ability to deal with an unexpected expense. In respect to psychosocial measures, Arab caregivers report lower use of public services than Jewish caregivers and lean more toward contact with relatives and religious participation than do Jewish caregivers. Caregivers’ social economic status and households’ affiliation do not have any interaction effect on psychosocial variables. Conclusions: Findings are discussed regarding research and practice.