Perceived Mental Health and Quality of Life in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Armed Forces in a Tertiary Care Center of North India: A Cross-Sectional Study
- Author:
Rahul SINHA
1
;
Karishma RAJPOOT
;
Ananya UNIYAL
;
V. Sabid SYED
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original article
- From: Annals of Child Neurology 2024;32(4):245-249
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:To explore the impact on mental health and quality of life among mothers following the diagnosis of mild or moderate autism in their child.
Methods:The study included 100 consecutive mothers with a defence background, each having a child aged 3 to 10 years diagnosed with mild to moderate autism. Participants were briefed about the study, and informed consent was obtained. A quantitative experimental design was employed, utilising the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Scale-Brief (WHOQOL-Brief) to assess the mothers.
Results:The results indicated that mothers experienced moderate levels of anxiety (mean±standard deviation, 10±6.4) and stress (19±6.7), but lower levels of depression (11±7.7), as measured by the DASS-21 questionnaire. The WHOQOL-Brief revealed a moderate decline in psychological health (transformative [T]-score=38) and social relationships (T-score=31). However, satisfaction with their environment (T-score=75) and physical health (T-score=63) was higher, potentially due to their defence background, which may provide easier access to healthcare and improved living conditions.
Conclusion:Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder experience moderate levels of stress and anxiety, and low levels of depression. Additionally, they face a decline in their quality of life.
