Factors associated with the quality of life among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64838/jmht.2025.276750Keywords:
autism spectrum disorder, caregiver, quality of life, social support, stress copingAbstract
Objective: To identify factors associated with the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of children with ASD receiving services at the Rajanukul Institute. Data were collected using a series of questionnaires, including caregiver and child socio-demographic information, characteristics of ASD, comorbid conditions, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Brief COPE Inventory, a social support scale, and the WHO-Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, point-biserial correlation, Spearman’s rank correlation, and eta coefficient.
Results: Among the 302 participants, 79.1% were female, and 63.9% were mothers. The severity of ASD was moderate in 53.6% of the children. Most caregivers reported moderate levels of stress, social support, overall QoL, and QoL across all four domains. The majority employed adaptive stress coping strategies more frequently than maladaptive ones. Caregiver QoL revealed statistically significant positive correlations with income, adequacy of income, and the levels of social support received from family, friends, caregiver networks, and healthcare personnel. Conversely, caregiver QoL was negatively correlated with stress levels, maladaptive stress coping, and the presence of comorbidities in the child.
Conclusion: Regular assessment of caregiver stress and quality of life is essential. Enhancing stress management skills, promoting awareness and understanding, and fostering strong family and community relationships can enhance caregiver roles and promote sustainable development in children with ASD.
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