Perceived Mental Health and Quality of Life in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Armed Forces in a Tertiary Care Center of North India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Purpose To explore the impact on mental health and quality of life among mothers following the diagnosis of mild or moderate autism in their child. Methods The study included 100 consecutive mothers with a defence background, each having a child aged 3 to 10 years diagnosed with mild to moderate autism. Participants were briefed about the study, and informed consent was obtained. A quantitative experimental design was employed, utilising the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Scale-Brief (WHOQOL-Brief) to assess the mothers. Results The results indicated that mothers experienced moderate levels of anxiety (mean±standard deviation, 10±6.4) and stress (19±6.7), but lower levels of depression (11±7.7), as measured by the DASS-21 questionnaire. The WHOQOL-Brief revealed a moderate decline in psychological health (transformative [T]-score=38) and social relationships (T-score=31). However, satisfaction with their environment (T-score=75) and physical health (T-score=63) was higher, potentially due to their defence background, which may provide easier access to healthcare and improved living conditions. Conclusion Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder experience moderate levels of stress and anxiety, and low levels of depression. Additionally, they face a decline in their quality of life.

Keywords

• autism spectrum disorder
• child
• mothers
• mental health
• quality of life