Prevalence and Associated Factors of Emotional and Behavioral Problems During COVID-19 Pandemic in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Abstract
Objective: To explore the prevalence and factors associated with emotional and behavioral problems among children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the COVID-19 pandemic who sought care at Siriraj Hospital from July 2022 to January 2023.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study recruited children with ASD and their parents. Parents were required to complete three questionnaires; demographic data about children and their guardians, the Thai version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and an assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results: The study included 167 participants. The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems was 46.7%. Within each dimension, the prevalence rates were as follows: peer relationship problems at 85.6%, hyperactivity/inattention at 39.5%, conduct problems at 24.6%, and emotional symptoms at 15.0%. Emotional and behavioral problems were significantly associated with psychiatric comorbidities, quarantine measures affecting both children and family members due to COVID-19 risk, confirmed cases of COVID-19 among family members, disruptions to children’s daily routines, and sleep problems.
Conclusion: The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents with ASD was nearly half the total sample in the study. They may experience emotional and behavioral problems, which can be caused by both comorbidity psychiatric disorders and patient’s experiences. As such, it is important for physicians to closely monitor and assess any such issues in their ASD patients.
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