Zehra A, Ahmer Z, Qadri U, Ovais M. Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Formal and Informal Caregivers of Autistic Children in Karachi. Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2024; 22 (2) :277-284
URL:
http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-1892-en.html
1- Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Civil Hospital Karachi, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
2- APPNA Institute of Public Health, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan.
3- Department of Medicine, Sindh Government Hospital, Liaquatabad, Pakistan.
Abstract: (1069 Views)
Objectives: This study assesses the frequency of depression, anxiety, and stress in formal and informal caregivers of autistic children in Karachi City, Pakistan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among caregivers of autistic children in specified centers in Karachi City, Pakistan. There were 255 participants out of which 111 were formal caregivers and 144 were informal caregivers. Depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS) was used to collect the data. The chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between the frequency of depression anxiety and stress among the two groups.
Results: A total of 76.3% of informal caregivers were suffering from mild depression, 59.3% were moderately depressed, and 76.5% were severely depressed (P<0.01). Similarly, 72.4% had mild anxiety, 68.2% were moderately anxious, and 50.5% were severely anxious (P<0.01). In addition, 75.0% demonstrated mild, 71.1% moderate, 85.7% severe, and 95.0% extremely severe stress (P<0.01). However, there were no significant levels of depression, anxiety, and stress found among formal caregivers.
Discussion: Depression, anxiety and stress were more commonly present in parents of autistic children (informal caregivers) as compared to formal caregivers.
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● Formal caregivers are paid and trained professionals who specialize in taking care of children with disabilities whereas informal caregivers are usually family and friends who are not paid. In the Pakistani context, mothers usually look after children with disabilities.
● Depression, anxiety, and stress are significantly higher in informal caregivers as compared to formal caregivers of autistic children.
● Job status, living in a joint family, education status, and financial burden are significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among informal caregivers whereas age and satisfaction with a job are significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among formal caregivers.
Plain Language Summary
Taking care of an autistic child requires considerable patience and the job in is very challenging. Informal caregivers who are usually parents, especially mothers are required to look after their children in the local Pakistani context and are often suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress. This has also been reported among people who are trained for this job and considered formal caregivers. This study assesses the level of depression, anxiety, and stress among these groups of people who provide care to autistic children. This study was done on 225 (111 formal and 144 informal) caregivers of children with autism and found that depression, anxiety, and stress were higher among informal caregivers as compared to formal caregivers. Informal caregivers who were working, living in joint families, less educated, and had more financial burdens were found to have high depression, anxiety, and stress. However, younger age groups and individuals not satisfied with their jobs among formal caregivers had higher depression, anxiety, and stress.
Article type:
Original Research Articles |
Subject:
Psychology Received: 2023/02/8 | Accepted: 2023/07/25 | Published: 2024/06/1
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