Psychological Impact among Primary Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Selected Autism Treatment Centers in Colombo Municipal Area.

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication and limited habitual activities and interests. Clinical characteristics of this disorder lead to barriers in managing individual, child health and their families. Psychological impact associated with caring is significant and the study field needs to be explored. Objective: To assess the psychological impact among primary caregivers of children with ASD at selected autism treatment centres in Colombo municipal area Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among consented primary caregivers (n=105) of children with ASD from three selected autism treatment centres in Colombo municipal area, Sri Lanka. Data were collected using a self -administered questionnaire. Psychological impact was assessed using validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS 21). Data analysis was carried out (descriptive and inferential statistics) using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The mean±SD age of the primary caregivers was 37.35±8.03 years. The majority of caregivers of children with ASD were mothers (85.7%, n=90). Majority of the participants were unemployed (86.6%, n=91) and lives in an urban area (90.5%, n=95). The mean score for depression, anxiety and stress among participants were 17.87, 11.54 and 23.45 respectively. The highest percentage of primary caregivers had moderate level of depression (45.7%, n=48), anxiety (38.1%, n=40), and stress (48.6%, n=51). Severe depression, anxiety and stress were experienced by 5.7% (n=6), 24.8% (n=26) and 16.2% (n=17) of caregivers respectively. Depression was associated with age (p=0.000), nationality (p=0.049) and residential place (p=0.005). Anxiety was also associated with age (p=0.002), nationality (p=0.012) and residential place (p=0.045) while stress was also associated with age (p=0.000), nationality (p=0.002) and residential place (p=0.014) of the caregiver. Conclusions: A considerable proportion of primary caregivers experience depression, anxiety and stress associated with caring for children with ASD. Strategies need to be encouraged to enhance the psychological wellbeing of the primary caregivers.