Investigating the quality of mental health and quality of life in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Shahrood city

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 Medical Student, Student Research Committee, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University Shahrood, Iran

2 Assistant professor, Department Of Medical Sciences, Shahrood Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrood, Iran

3 Medical Student, Student Research Committee, Faculty Of Medicicine, Hormozgan University Of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran

10.22038/nnj.2024.77152.1428

Abstract

Background and Aims: Considering that parents of children with autism spectrum disorders are more susceptible to psychiatric disorders compared to parents of typically developing children, this study aimed to determine the Quality of Mental Health and Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Shahrood city.
Materials and Methods: The research conducted is a descriptive-analytical study of a cross-sectional nature from 2021 to 2022. The sample size in this study included all parents who were members of the Autism Center and met the study criteria. A total of 35 individuals were surveyed, and the sampling method was purposive sampling. To assess the level of mental health, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was used, and to evaluate the quality of life, the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHO-QOL) was utilized. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 19.
Results: In the study population, consisted of 30 mothers and 5 fathers. There was no significant difference in the subscales of quality of life between fathers and mothers of children with autism, only the mean score for social functioning was significantly higher in mothers compared to fathers. Additionally, no significant associations were observed between variables such as age, level of education, number of children, and the level of quality of life and mental health.
Conclusion: In general, it can be stated that the quality of life and mental health of parents with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are not at an optimal level, indicating the need for comprehensive healthcare and treatment programs to be developed.

Keywords

References

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Navid No
Volume 27, Issue 89
June 2024
Pages 43-51

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