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.
