Perceived caregiver's burden among children with autism spectrum disorder in central Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Psychosocial Health
• Caregiver Support

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder impacting social communication and behavior.
• Caregiving for children with ASD presents substantial challenges for parents and caregivers.
• Understanding the psychosocial burden on caregivers is crucial for developing effective support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the psychosocial burden experienced by caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• To identify the prevalence and severity of caregiver burden in this population.

Main Methods:

• An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at a Centre for Autism in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• 120 caregivers of children with ASD were evaluated using the Zarit Burden Interview-22 between January and July 2022.
• Caregivers included mothers, grandparents, and fathers, meeting specific inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• The majority of caregivers were mothers (54.16%), followed by grandparents (29.16%) and fathers (10.8%).
• Most caregivers perceived a moderate to severe burden (47.5%), with a significant portion experiencing mild to moderate burden (37.5%).
• A statistically significant correlation was found between the degree of caregiver burden and the child's level of ASD.

Conclusions:

• Most caregivers of children with ASD experience moderate to severe psychosocial burden.
• The level of caregiver burden is significantly associated with the severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the child.
• Findings underscore the need for tailored interventions and support for caregivers of children with ASD.