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Aloudiny WH, Alsaran FF, Alessa FM, Almoayad F, Fiala L. Examining Emotional and Physical Burden in Informal Saudi Caregivers: Links to Quality of Life and Social Support. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1851. [PMID: 39337192 PMCID: PMC11431032 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12181851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregiver burden is an important issue for individuals who tend to be chronically ill, disabled or elderly family members. This burden affects caregivers around the world and can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health, ultimately reducing their quality of life. METHODS This study of informal adult caregivers in Saudi Arabia used a cross-sectional analytic design to explore the connections between caregiver burden, social support and quality of life. Data were collected using nonprobability convenience sampling through electronic questionnaires in Arabic. The Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI-12), the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3) and the SF-12 Health Survey (short form of 12 questions) were used to assess caregiver burden, social support and quality of life, respectively. The relationships between these variables were analysed, and the statistical significance of the findings was reported. RESULTS The study revealed a connection between caregiver burden and both social support and quality of life. Caregivers with moderate to high burdens often had poor social support (60.52%) and a lower quality of life (72.47%). A statistically significant negative correlation between caregiver burden and quality of life (p < 0.05) indicated that caregivers with a higher burden had a lower quality of life. Similarly, a statistically significant negative correlation was found between social support and caregiver burden (p < 0.05), suggesting that caregivers with more social support experienced a lower burden. CONCLUSIONS A higher caregiver burden is linked to a lower quality of life, especially when social support is inadequate. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce caregiver burden by enhancing social support systems for caregivers and improving their quality of life. Recommendations include the development of community-based support programmes and policy changes to support informal caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wejdan Homid Aloudiny
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia; (F.F.A.); (F.M.A.); (F.A.); (L.F.)
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Abu Khait A, Menger A, Hamdan-Mansour AM, Aldalaykeh M, Hamaideh SH, Al-Mrayat YD, Nusair H. The Association Between Coping Strategies and Psychological and Emotional Distress Among Health Care Providers Caring for Autistic Children in Jordan. West J Nurs Res 2024; 46:571-582. [PMID: 38829033 DOI: 10.1177/01939459241254782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care providers (HCPs) caring for autistic children report more perceived psychological and emotional distress related to their job. However, not much is known about what can be done to mitigate such distress, especially in countries with limited mental health resources, such as Jordan. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between coping strategies (problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant) and perceived emotional and psychological distress among HCPs of autistic children in Jordan. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 180 HCPs working with autistic children in Jordan were recruited through autism centers and social media using an online self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that 31% of the variability in perceived emotional distress was explained by its significant association with problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and avoidant coping. Likewise, 39% of the variability in perceived psychological distress was explained by its significant association with gender, having an immediate family, area of specialty, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and avoidant coping. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that problem-focused coping significantly decreases perceived emotional distress, whereas emotion-focused and avoidant coping significantly increase perceived emotional distress. Avoidant coping significantly increases perceived psychological distress. Understanding the association between coping strategies and perceived emotional and psychological distress among HCPs can assist mental health nurses in identifying at-risk providers and providing timely emotional and psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Abu Khait
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | | | - Ayman M Hamdan-Mansour
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammed Aldalaykeh
- Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Shaher H Hamaideh
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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McKinney WS, Williford DN, Abbeduto L, Schmitt LM. The impact of social-environmental factors on IQ in syndromic intellectual developmental disabilities. J Clin Transl Sci 2024; 8:e59. [PMID: 38655457 PMCID: PMC11036438 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite having the same underlying genetic etiology, individuals with the same syndromic form of intellectual developmental disability (IDD) show a large degree of interindividual differences in cognition and IQ. Research indicates that up to 80% of the variation in IQ scores among individuals with syndromic IDDs is attributable to nongenetic effects, including social-environmental factors. In this narrative review, we summarize evidence of the influence that factors related to economic stability (focused on due to its prevalence in existing literature) have on IQ in individuals with syndromic IDDs. We also highlight the pathways through which economic stability is hypothesized to impact cognitive development and drive individual differences in IQ among individuals with syndromic IDDs. We also identify broader social-environmental factors (e.g., social determinants of health) that warrant consideration in future research, but that have not yet been explored in syndromic IDDs. We conclude by making recommendations to address the urgent need for further research into other salient factors associated with heterogeneity in IQ. These recommendations ultimately may shape individual- and community-level interventions and may inform systems-level public policy efforts to promote the cognitive development of and improve the lived experiences of individuals with syndromic IDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walker S. McKinney
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology,
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,
Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Desireé N. Williford
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology,
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,
Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of
Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis,
Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University
of California Davis, Sacramento, CA,
USA
| | - Lauren M. Schmitt
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology,
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center,
Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of
Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Volgyesi-Molnar M, Gyori M, Eapen V, Borsos Z, Havasi A, Jakab Z, Janoch L, Nemeth V, Oszi T, Szekeres A, Stefanik K. Quality of Life in Hungarian Parents of Autistic Individuals. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06243-3. [PMID: 38280137 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06243-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parents of autistic individuals have been known to have a lower overall quality of life (QQL) than those of typically developing children. We present the first Hungarian large-sample study whose objective was to explore the differences in QOL between parents of autistic individuals (AS) and those of neurotypical (NT) persons. METHODS Based on the ABCX model we developed a questionnaire comprising standardized scales to characterize the life of parents involved. Our data came from parents of 842 individuals (ASD = 521, NT = 321) between 0 and 49 years. Battery deployed standardized instruments to examine quality of life (WHO-QQL BREF and Quality of Life in Autism questionnaire, QOLA). We assessed the families' socio-economic/demographic characteristics, parents' psychological well-being, the autistic/neurotypical individuals' characteristics, and the interventions. RESULTS Our data showed significantly lower QOL in parents of autistic individuals in all domains of questionnaires. We analyzed 20 relevant factors to uncover the predictors of parental QOL. We confirmed the existence of most but not all predictors present in earlier literature and identified intervention-related predictors. CONCLUSION Our study confirms the importance of supporting parents in their role, and of providing health and social supports that focus on quality of life, in addition to child care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Volgyesi-Molnar
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Miklos Gyori
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District & Ingham Institute, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Zsofia Borsos
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agnes Havasi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Jakab
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Laszlone Janoch
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vivien Nemeth
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Doctoral School of Education, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamasne Oszi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agota Szekeres
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Education, Kaposvar, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Stefanik
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
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Daynes-Kearney R, Gallagher S. Online Support Groups for Family Caregivers: Scoping Review. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46858. [PMID: 38090796 PMCID: PMC10753418 DOI: 10.2196/46858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregiving can affect people of all ages and can have significant negative health impacts on family caregivers themselves. Research has shown that social support acts as a buffer against many negative health impacts. A common source of social support is support groups. Although traditionally, these groups were conducted in a face-to-face setting, the advent of the internet, social media applications, and the smartphone have seen online support groups (OSGs) develop as a space where many caregivers seek support. The number of OSGs has increased exponentially, but there is no clear consensus on what factors or characteristics of OSGs contribute to social support development within them or what types of OSGs are available to family caregivers. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to conduct a scoping review to contribute to the understanding of the types and characteristics of OSGs for family caregivers. METHODS Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, the CINAHL, PsychInfo, Psych Articles, Social Sciences, Communication Source, Medline, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies (caregiver focused, adults aged 18 years or older, online social support groups, caring for a living person, peer-reviewed journal publications on empirical research). In total, 19 studies were included in the review. The research questions were (1) what type of social support groups are online for adult family caregivers, (2) what the communication mediums and characteristics of these OSGs are, and (3) what psychosocial or other factors make OSGs successful or unsuccessful for participants. RESULTS In response to the first research question, we found that the majority of OSGs took place on public text-based forums and were illness specific. Where demographics were reported, participants were predominately women, White, and working with university-level education. There were a variety of caregiving relationships. For the second research question, the most common communication medium found was text-based communication, with the use of emojis, photos, and GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) files as part of these exchanges. Most frequently, the OSGs were asynchronous with a degree of anonymity, not time-limited by the frequency of contact or duration, and moderated by peer or professional moderators or facilitators. Results for the third research question explored the overarching categories of safe communication and engagement and group management. These described successful OSGs as having a focus on similar others with shared lived experiences communicated in a nonjudgmental space overseen by trained peer or professional facilitators. CONCLUSIONS There are several key considerations for OSGs to be successful for family caregivers. A general recommendation for practitioners is to give importance to building active moderation and multifaceted structures of support to meet different levels of caregiver needs and the ability to engage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Daynes-Kearney
- Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Stephen Gallagher
- Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Abu Khait A, Menger A, Mahmoud KF, Hamaideh SH. A Moderated Mediation Model of Social Support on the Association between Coping Strategies and Psycho-Emotional Distress of Healthcare Professionals Caring for Children with Autism. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:879-890. [PMID: 37616590 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2232860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare professionals caring for children with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to be emotionally and psychologically distressed because of the children's challenging behaviors. This study aimed to investigate whether social support mediates the association between coping strategies and perceived emotional and psychological distress among professionals working with children with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, this study explored the moderating effect of autism severity on this mediation. The study's design is cross-sectional, correlational, and predictive. An online, self-administered questionnaire was used to recruit a convenience sample of 180 healthcare professionals working with children with autism spectrum disorder. The results revealed a significant mediation effect of family social support on the relationship between problem-focused coping and psychological distress for those dealing with moderate or severe autism. Likewise, there was also a significant mediation effect of family social support on the relationship between avoidant coping and psychological distress for those dealing with moderate autism. Familial social support can serve as a protective factor for healthcare professionals caring for children with autism against accumulated psychological distress. The direct effect of avoidant coping strategies on emotional distress changes depending on autism severity. The study's findings are informative to mental health nurses to create more effective coping strategies as problem-solving interventions or develop new coping strategies based on familial social support for those working with children with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Abu Khait
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Austin Menger
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Khadejah F Mahmoud
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Shaher H Hamaideh
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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George-Levi S, Laslo-Roth R, Ben Yaakov L. Vulnerability to loneliness among fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder: The role of interpersonal and familial resources. FAMILY PROCESS 2023:e12877. [PMID: 36945767 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might be at increased risk of becoming lonely. In the current study, we explored the differences in loneliness between fathers of children with and without ASD and identified interpersonal and familial resources (social support, family cohesion, and family adaptability) that might be related to levels of loneliness. Using a cross-sectional design, 348 fathers (of 114 children with ASD and 234 without) completed a series of questionnaires. Fathers of children with ASD reported higher levels of loneliness and lower levels of social support and family cohesion. A moderated mediation model indicated that the interaction between social support and family cohesion mediated the association between ASD group (i.e., ASD vs. non-ASD) and fathers' loneliness. Findings suggest the importance of interpersonal and familial resources (e.g., perceived social support and family cohesion) for family members at risk of loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivan George-Levi
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Peres Academic Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Roni Laslo-Roth
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Peres Academic Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lital Ben Yaakov
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, Peres Academic Center, Rehovot, Israel
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Cheng S, Cheng S, Liu S, Li Y. Parents' pandemic stress, parental involvement, and family quality of life for children with autism. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1061796. [PMID: 36530705 PMCID: PMC9751346 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1061796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research has shown that parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suffered high levels of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and faced poor family quality of life (FQOL). However, little is known about the inherent dynamic interaction between pandemic stress and FQOL, especially in the Chinese cultural context. Aims This study provides preliminary evidence by examining the relationships among pandemic stress, parental involvement, and FQOL for children with autism in mainland China. Method A total of 709 parents of children with autism completed measures of FQOL, parental involvement, and pandemic stress. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the interrelations among these variables. Results Pandemic stress has direct effect and indirect effect mediated by parental involvement on FQOL. Two dimensions of pandemic stress had a direct effect on FQOL (β1 = 0.11; β2 = -0.55) and three dimensions had an indirect effect on FQOL through parental involvement (β1 = -0.097; β2 = 0.257; β3 = 0.114). Conclusion Stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic affects family quality of life for children with autism in complex ways. Policies may be developed to enhance parental pragmatic hopefulness in the anti-epidemic victory and alleviate negative physical and mental reactions caused by the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanyin Cheng
- School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Patel AD, Arya A, Agarwal V, Gupta PK, Agarwal M. Burden of care and quality of life in caregivers of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Asian J Psychiatr 2022; 70:103030. [PMID: 35180464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is increasing across the globe. The disorder in children not only creates burden of care in caregivers but also leads to impaired quality of life of families. OBJECTIVE To study the burden of care and quality of life in caregivers of children and adolescents with ASD. METHODOLOGY Cross sectional study conducted in Child and Adolescent psychiatry outpatient services at a government centre in north India between September 2014 to August 2015. The sample consisted of 40 caregivers of children with Autism. Mean age of the caregiver's were 34.72 ± 6.32 years. Burden of care and quality of life were measured by Burden Assessment Schedule (BAS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire respectively. RESULTS Mean burden of care on BAS was 71.73 ± 8.62 indicating quite a high degree of burden on the caregivers of ASD. Significantly higher burden was reported by caregivers belonging to low income families and caregivers of children in age group 6-12 years. A positive correlation was observed between severity of autism and burden of care in caregivers. The study also found that as the severity of symptom increases the QoL in caregiver worsens. CONCLUSION Caregivers of children with ASD suffer from high burden of care and impaired QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Deep Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Maharaja Suhel Dev Autonomous State Medical College, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Amit Arya
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Vivek Agarwal
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Pawan Kumar Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Manu Agarwal
- Department of Psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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