QUALITY OF LIFE STUDY AMONG THAI ADULTS WITH AUTISM

Abstract

Objectives: To study quality of life and the differences of personal factor in adults with autism in Thailand.

Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The subjects were Thai adults with autism spectrum disorder aged 18 and above. The data collection from specifying areas in 9 regions of Thailand, 378 adults with autism spectrum disorder was conducted since March to June 2017. The instruments used in research were the general questionnaire created by the researcher and WHOQOL-BREF-THAI (World Health Organization quality of life-Thai version). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: percentages, means and standard deviations and inferential statistics: t-test, and F-test or (One-way ANOVA).

Results: The study sample consisted of 378 adults with autism spectrum disorder. Most participants were male (77.0%), primary school educated (32.3%), aged between 18 - 23 years (70.9%), non-career (73.5%), samples with no income (69.3%) and non-substance users (98.4%). The overall physical dimension of quality of life was reported at a good level and psychological, social relationship and environmental dimension, the samples had moderate levels. Factors affect the QOL were marital status, education, occupation, and income.

Conclusion: From this study, it is a good opportunity for relevant agencies to promote quality of life improvement with physical, psychological, social, and environmental dimensions of Thai adults with autism through the policies.