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Quality of Life and Sleep Among Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Medina
Abeer Al-Lihabi1, Shouq T Alharbi2, Ramzi Alsheraimi2
1Department of Psychiatry, Taibah University, Medina, SAU.
Insights
Caring for an autistic child significantly impacts parental sleep and quality of life (QoL). This study highlights moderate sleep disturbances and mental health challenges in parents, underscoring the need for support.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition.
- Limited research exists on the impact of caring for autistic children on parental sleep and quality of life (QoL).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of having an autistic child on the QoL and sleep patterns of parents and caregivers.
- To assess the prevalence of mental health symptoms among caregivers in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 89 parents and caregivers of autistic children.
- Utilized validated questionnaires to assess sleep quality (e.g., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and QoL.
- Data collected from participants at local healthcare centers.
Main Results:
- Majority of respondents were mothers (70.8%) with children aged 5-7 years (39.3%).
- Speech problems (47.2%) and sleep disorders (20.2%) were common in autistic children.
- Parents reported moderate sleep disturbance (mean PSQI score 6.74 ± 2.89), with 44.9% feeling unrested. Anxiety (10.1%) and depression (4.5%) symptoms were also noted.
Conclusions:
- Caregivers of autistic children face significant challenges impacting their sleep quality and overall well-being.
- Findings emphasize the necessity for targeted support strategies to improve the QoL for these families.
- Further research is needed to develop comprehensive interventions.
Introduction:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and prevalent neurodevelopmental condition. While the impact of ASD on the child's well-being is well-documented, there has been limited research on the impact of caring for an autistic child on the sleep patterns and quality of life (QoL) of parents and caregivers. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the effects of having an autistic child on the QoL and sleep patterns of parents and caregivers in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
The study used validated questionnaires to assess sleep quality and QoL, with a sample of 89 participants. The questionnaire was distributed among parents and caregivers of autistic children at local healthcare centers.
Result:
The study revealed that the majority of respondents are mothers (70.8%), with children aged 5-7 years being the most common (39.3%), and 67.4% of children are males. Speech problems (47.2%) are the most prevalent issue among autistic children, followed by sleep disorders (20.2%), while a significant portion of parents experience anxiety symptoms (10.1%), depression symptoms (4.5%), and co-occurrence of depression and anxiety symptoms, seen in 5.6% of cases. Parents and caregivers of autistic children experienced moderate levels of sleep disturbance, as indicated by a mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of 6.74 ± standard deviation 2.89, with 44.9% of respondents reporting not feeling rested.
Conclusion:
The analysis of sleep quality and QoL measures highlighted significant challenges faced by the participants, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support strategies to address the well-being of families affected.
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