Abstract :
Caregiving for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is challenging due to their conditions. Mothers of children with ASD are the primary caregiver for their children exposed to a greater risk of anxiety and depression, impacting the mother’s quality of life (QOL). This study was conducted to determine the level of anxiety, depression, and QOL among mothers of children with ASD and identify the relationship between anxiety, depression, and QOL with demographic characteristics among ASD children. Cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 mothers of ASD children in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) in Kuala Selangor and Klang. The data was obtained through an online questionnaire and telephone interview. The instruments used included Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and The World Health Organization Quality Of Life (WHQOL-BREF). Data were then analysed by Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney test using SPSS software. Majority of mothers have high level of anxiety (85.6%), depression (85.6%), and moderate QOL. Significant relationship between anxiety with demographic characteristics among mothers of ASD children, which are child independence levels in ADL (p=0.01). A significant relationship between depression with demographic characteristics, which are child independence level in ADL (p=0.02) and ASD child behavior problems (p=0.05) found. A significant relationship found between the QOL domains with mothers occupation, marital status, interval duration since the ASD children receive diagnosis, and ASD children behavior problem (p>0.05). The implication of this study toward healthcare providers for identification on how to improved caregiver coping skills to manage the needs and care for the individual with ASD over time for lesser stress, better mental health status, and good QOL.
